Oral care implement

ABSTRACT

An oral care implement having a handle and a head having a flexible support from which cleaning elements extend. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head attached to the handle; a flexible support attached to the head and having a face; a plurality of cleaning elements attached to the flexible support and projecting outwardly from the face, the cleaning elements including bristles and wall-like elements and being movable in the outward direction from the head; wherein the cleaning elements comprise a row of first cleaning elements substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the head and traversing a central region of the flexible support; and wherein some of the wall-like cleaning elements laterally radiate from the central region of the flexible support.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/774,753, filed May 6, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/122,258, filed May 5, 2005, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/768,363,filed Jan. 30, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/697,213, filed Oct. 30, 2003.

Further, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/122,258, filed May 5, 2005,is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/019,671, filed Dec. 23, 2004, which is: (1) a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/869,922, filed Jun. 18, 2004, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,143,462, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/601,106, filed Jun. 20, 2003; (2) acontinuation-in-part of PCT Patent Application Serial No.PCT/US03/030633 (designating the U.S.), filed Sep. 26, 2003, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/414,117, filedSep. 27, 2002, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/418,776, filedOct. 16, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/419,425,filed Oct. 18, 2002; (3) a continuation-in-part of PCT PatentApplication Serial No. PCT/US2003/029497 (designating the U.S.), filedSep. 17, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/412,290, filed Sep. 20, 2002; (4) a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/189,729, filed Sep. 10, 2003, nowU.S. Patent No. D517,812; and (5) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/989,267, filed Nov. 17, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.7,607,189, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 29/209,242, filed Jul. 14, 2004.

Additionally, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/122,258, filed May 5,2005, is a continuation-in part-application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/989,267, filed Nov. 17, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,190,which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.29/209,242, filed Jul. 14, 2004, and a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 29/209,244, filed Jul. 14, 2004.

Further, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/122,258, filed May 5, 2005,is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/902,257, filed Jul. 30, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,047,591, which (1)is a continuation-in-part of PCT Application Serial No.PCT/US2003/029497 (designating the U.S.), filed Sep. 17, 2003, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/412,290,filed Sep. 20, 2002; and (2) is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 29/189,729, filed Sep. 10, 2003, now U.S. PatentNo. D517,812.

In addition, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/122,258, filed May 5,2005, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/053,583, filed Feb. 8, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,360,270, which is acontinuation of International Patent Application Serial No.PCT/US2003/024878 (designating the U.S.), filed Aug. 8, 2003 andpublished as International Publication No. WO2004/014181 on Feb. 19,2004, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/402,162, filed Aug. 9, 2002, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/402,170, filed Aug. 9, 2002 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/402,670, filed Aug. 12, 2002.

Further, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/122,258, filed May 5, 2005,is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/053,589, filed Feb. 8, 2005, which is a continuation of InternationalPatent Application Serial No. PCT/US2003/024879 (designating the U.S.),filed Aug. 8, 2003 and published as International Publication No.WO2004/014182 on Feb. 19, 2004, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/402,165, filed Aug. 9, 2002.

The contents of the above-noted applications are each expresslyincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an oral care implement having variousfeatures that may include a cleanser for cleaning soft tissue surfacesin a user's mouth, tooth cleaning or tooth treating elements, movablecleaning features, vibratory mechanisms, and/or handle grippingfeatures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of toothbrush configurations exist that have stationary and/ormechanically-driven movable cleaning elements. These conventionaltoothbrushes are dedicated to tooth cleaning/polishing operations andtypically include a head portion directed to the cleaning/polishingoperations, and a handle portion. The head typically has a flat orslightly altered surface to which the cleaning elements are attached, orto which mechanically-driven movable carriers for the cleaning elementsare attached. The cleaning elements of these toothbrushes are configuredfor cleaning and/or for polishing a user's teeth, but are not configuredfor effective cleaning of soft tissue in a user's mouth, such as theuser's tongue.

Tongue scrapers exist as devices for removing micro debris disposed on auser's tongue. Conventional tongue scrapers are stand-alone devicesdirected to the singular purpose of scraping a user's tongue. Theseconventional devices typically include a handle and scraper portionwithout including other cleaning elements.

Users manipulate conventional toothbrushes and tongue scrapers bygrasping their handle portions. The handles are typically simple, linearrods of a relatively rigid material, which are neither comfortable forthe user nor given to easy manipulation. As these devices are commonlyused in wet conditions, their handles are often slippery during use.

Many people use multiple oral care implements, such as toothbrushes andtongue scrapers, on a daily basis to accomplish multiple oral caretasks. For instance, a user may use a toothbrush to clean his teeth andthen use a tongue scraper to remove debris from his tongue. The user maythen re-use the toothbrush to further clean his tongue. Thus, the usermay switch between various oral care implements during a single sessionin a wet environment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an oral care implement that providesseveral advantages and that may be used for multiple functions. In oneembodiment of the invention, an oral care implement is provided that hasa plurality of cleaning elements extending from the head, which areattached to a flexible support on the head and are outwardly movablefrom the head. The cleaning elements may include a column-shaped centralbristle at the central portion of the flexible support, and may furtherinclude a row of first cleaning elements traversing a central region ofthe flexible support. The oral care implement may further include a softtissue cleanser on the head, which may be disposed on an opposite facefrom the cleaning elements. The soft tissue cleanser may include a ringof projections.

Embodiments of the invention may be multi-functional and include variouscombinations of features in advantageous combinations. Some embodimentsinclude a soft tissue cleanser in combination with tooth cleaningfeatures and/or in combination with gripping features on the handle thatimprove the user's grip and handling thereof. The embodiments may bemanual or mechanically-driven devices, or combinations thereof. Theseand other aspects are discussed in relation to the following figures.

In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: ahandle; a head attached to the handle; a flexible support attached tothe head and having a face; a plurality of cleaning elements attached tothe flexible support and projecting outwardly from the face, thecleaning elements including bristles and wall-like elements and beingmovable in the outward direction from the head; wherein the cleaningelements comprise a row of first cleaning elements substantially alignedalong a longitudinal axis of the head and traversing a central region ofthe flexible support; and wherein some of the wall-like cleaningelements laterally radiate from the central region of the flexiblesupport.

In another aspect, the invention can be an oral care implementcomprising: a handle; a head attached to the handle; a flexible supportattached to the head and having a face; a plurality of cleaning elementsattached to the flexible support and projecting outwardly from the face,the cleaning elements comprising: a plurality of central cleaningelements disposed substantially along a longitudinal axis of the head;and for each central cleaning element, a plurality of wall-like cleaningelements that radiate from the central cleaning element to form a starconfiguration.

In yet another aspect, the invention can be an oral care implementcomprising: a handle; a head attached to the handle; a flexible supportattached to the head and having a face; a plurality of cleaning elementsattached to the flexible support and projecting outwardly from the face,the cleaning elements comprising: a plurality of central cleaningelements disposed in a first row substantially along a longitudinal axisof the head; a plurality of transverse cleaning element disposed in asecond row along a transverse axis that is substantially perpendicularto the longitudinal axis; and wherein the central cleaning elements andthe transverse cleaning elements intersect in a central region of theflexible support to form a cross-shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention and theadvantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the followingdescription in consideration of the accompanying drawings, in which likereference numbers indicate like features.

FIG. 1 shows a side view, partially in section, of an embodiment of atoothbrush according to the invention and of a handle-closure partseparated from one another (without a battery).

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view, partially in section, of another embodimentof a toothbrush according to the invention shown in the assembled state.

FIG. 3 shows a side view, partially in section, of the toothbrushaccording to FIG. 2 and the closure part separated from one another(without a battery).

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a toothbrushaccording to the invention shown in the assembled state.

FIG. 5 shows a front part of the toothbrush according to FIG. 4 withdifferent embodiments of exchangeable treatment heads.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an additional toothbrush embodiment inaccordance with this invention.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view, in partial section, of the toothbrushshown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top, plan view of the toothbrush shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 7 partially brokenaway.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view showing a subassembly of the bristlecontaining portion of the brush head in accordance with another aspectof this invention.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view, in partial section, showing thesubassembly of FIG. 10 incorporated in a completed toothbrush.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a further toothbrush in accordance withthe invention.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a head of a manual toothbrush inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view taken along lines 14-14 of FIG.13 showing the bristle and wiper arrangement with minimal force appliedto the toothbrush handle.

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view taken along lines 14-14 of FIG.13 showing the bristle and wiper arrangement where greater force isapplied to the toothbrush handle.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a powered toothbrush in accordance withthe invention.

FIG. 17 is a side elevational overview of another toothbrush embodimentin accordance with the invention having a flexible head with fingersmounted thereon, shown broken along its length and showing the ribsinterconnecting the finger and flexible head.

FIG. 18 is a fragmental front plan view of the toothbrush of FIG. 17showing an arrangement of fingers connected by ribs to a flexible head.

FIG. 19 is a fragmental plan view of single finger connected by ribs toan unflexed toothbrush head of the toothbrush of FIG. 17.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are fragmental plan views of a single finger connectedby ribs to a flexible head in flexed positions caused by movement of theflexible head of the toothbrush of FIG. 17.

FIGS. 22-24 are fragmental plan views of multiple fingers interconnectedto each other and to a flexible toothbrush head in accordance with FIG.17 by ribs forming a web between the fingers.

FIG. 25 is a fragmental cross-sectional view in elevation of the fingersmounted in a flexible toothbrush head in accordance with FIG. 17.

FIGS. 26-28 are fragmental elevational views of the fingers used withthe toothbrush of FIG. 17.

FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of a further toothbrush configurationusing a flexible head and gum stimulation fingers.

FIGS. 30 and 31 are cross sectional views of the fingers with ribsinterconnecting the fingers to a flexible portion of the toothbrushhead.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the toothbrush of FIG. 29 including ahead constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 33 is a top plan view of the head of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a side elevational view of a further toothbrush embodiment inaccordance with this invention.

FIG. 35 is a front plan view showing the resilient cleaning field towhich the cleaning/treating elements of FIG. 34 could be mounted.

FIGS. 36-37 are front plan views of different forms of cleaning heads inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 38 is a side elevational view of still yet another form of cleaninghead in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 39 is a front plan view of a modified form of cleaning head inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a toothbrush ofthe present invention wherein the bristle bars are generally in the formof parallelepipeds.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a toothbrush ofthe present invention, wherein the bristle bars have generally curvedfoot-prints.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a toothbrush ofthe present invention, wherein the bristle bars have generally ovalfootprints.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thetoothbrush shown in FIG. 40, wherein there are additional bristle barslocated central to the toothbrush head.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thetoothbrush shown in FIG. 40, wherein there are additional bristle tuftslocated central to the toothbrush head.

FIG. 45 is an exploded assembly perspective view of an oral careimplement according to one or more aspects of an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 46 is an enlarged perspective view of a head of an oral careimplement of FIG. 45.

FIG. 47 is a plan view of the oral care implement of FIG. 45illustrating a tongue cleaning feature.

FIG. 48 is a partial section view of a head of the oral care implementof FIG. 45 taken along line 48-48 of FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is a plan view of the oral care implement of FIG. 45illustrating at least one tooth cleaning configuration.

FIG. 50 is another perspective of the view of the oral care implement ofFIG. 45.

FIG. 51 is a section view of an alternative construction of the head ofthe oral care implement of FIG. 45.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a head of a further embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 53 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG.52.

FIG. 54 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of theinvention taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 52.

FIG. 55 is a partial cross-sectional view of a further embodiment takenalong line IX-IX in FIG. 52.

FIG. 56 is a partial cross-sectional view of an additional embodimenttaken along line IX-IX in FIG. 52.

FIG. 57 is a partial perspective view of yet another oral care implementin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 58 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV inFIG. 57.

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of a head of a further toothbrushembodiment in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 59 a is a top plan view of the head of FIG. 59.

FIGS. 59 b and 59 c are top plan views of the head illustratingalternative concave-shaped ridges for the head of FIG. 59.

FIG. 60 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.59.

FIG. 61 is a partial cross sectional plan view of an alternativestructure taken along line II-II of FIG. 59.

FIGS. 61 a and 61 b are partial cross-sectional views of alternativeridge shapes for the embodiment of FIG. 59.

FIGS. 62-75 are each a top plan view of the head illustrating analternative ridge construction for the embodiment of FIG. 59.

FIGS. 76-80 are each a perspective view of a further embodiment of ahead of an oral care implement in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 81 is a perspective view of an oral care implement according to oneor more aspects of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 82 is a bottom plan view of the oral care implement of FIG. 81.

FIG. 83 is a top plan view of the oral care implement of FIG. 81.

FIG. 84 is a side view of the oral care implement of FIG. 81.

FIG. 85 is a section view of the oral care implement taken along line85-85 in FIG. 83.

FIG. 86 is a partial side view of a base of an oral care implement ofFIG. 81.

FIG. 87 is a partial front view of the base of FIG. 86.

FIG. 88 is a forward axial view of the oral care implement of FIG. 81.

FIG. 89 is a forward axial view of the oral care implement of FIG. 81.

FIG. 90 is top plan view of a further oral care implement in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 91 is partial perspective view of a head portion of the oral careimplement of FIG. 90.

FIG. 92 is side view of a further oral care implement in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 93 is partial perspective view of a head portion of the oral careimplement of FIG. 92.

FIG. 94 is side view of a further oral care implement in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 95 is partial perspective view of a head portion of the oral careimplement of FIG. 94.

FIG. 96 is side view of a further oral care implement in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 97 is partial perspective view of a head portion of the oral careimplement of FIG. 96.

FIG. 98 is partial perspective view of a head portion of yet anotheroral care implement in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 98A-C show an additional oral care implement in accordance withthe invention.

FIG. 99 is a perspective view of a toothbrush in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 100 is a side view of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 99.

FIG. 101 is a top view of the toothbrush shown in FIGS. 99 and 100.

FIG. 102 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 102-102 of FIG.101.

FIG. 103 is a top view of a powered toothbrush in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 104 is a perspective view of a toothbrush having elastic areas inthe head and handle in accordance with a further embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 105 is a side view of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 104.

FIG. 106 is a top view of the toothbrush shown in FIGS. 104 and 105.

FIG. 107 is a side view of the toothbrush of FIG. 104 showing deflectionin the open area under the bristles and the handle area.

FIG. 108 is a top view of a powered toothbrush in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 109 is a perspective view of a toothbrush formed in accordance withstill another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 110 is a side elevational view of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 109.

FIG. 111 is a top view of the toothbrush shown in FIGS. 109-110.

FIG. 112 is an end view of the toothbrush shown in FIGS. 109-111 shownin an original closed position.

FIG. 113 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 113-113 of FIG. 111with the brush head in its hinged open position and omitting some of thecleaning elements.

FIG. 114 is a top view of a powered toothbrush in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 115 is perspective view of a head portion of a further embodimentof an oral care implement in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 116 is a top view of the head portion of FIG. 115.

FIG. 117 is a side view of the head portion of FIG. 115.

FIG. 118 is a side view of a head portion of an oral care implement inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 119 is partial perspective view of a head portion of an oral careimplement in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 120 is a top view of the head portion of FIG. 119.

FIG. 121 is a front view of the head portion of FIG. 119.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following embodiments describe aspects of the invention in the formof various oral care implement configurations that provide a variety offeatures and functions. Although these aspects are disclosed in thecontext of particular exemplary embodiments, the invention provides anoral care implement that includes one or more of the features describedherein. The oral care implement may include a first feature described inone example configuration herein, as well as a second feature describedin another example configuration herein.

In other words, the invention contemplates mixing and matching featuresfrom the disclosed embodiments in various combinations into a singleoral care implement. The present invention thus makes it possible toselect a combination of cleaning/treating element configurations, tissuecleanser configurations, handle features, gripping features, mechanicaldriving features, materials and orientations, etc. to achieve intendedresults, and to deliver additional oral health benefits, such asenhanced cleaning, tooth polishing, tooth whitening, tongue cleansing,massaging of gums, etc.

Oral care implements of various configurations are provided thatgenerally include a handle and one or more cleaning features. The handlemay include a mechanically-driven feature, such as rotating, vibrating,and/or moving cleaning elements. In one configuration, a toothbrush isprovided with a mechanical vibratory element and a head having aplurality of different types of cleaning/treating elements and cleaningareas which provide for an enhanced cleaning and/or treating effects.The cleaning/treating elements move by the mechanical vibratory deviceand/or independently of the mechanical vibratory device. Such atoothbrush, therefore, provides for synergistic and enhanced cleaning,scrubbing and massaging experience on the teeth and gums.

A variety of toothbrush configurations are disclosed herein. Oneconfiguration is a toothbrush having multiple groupings ofcleaning/treating elements that are uniquely mounted to the head of atoothbrush, which mounting facilitates flexible orientation of thosegroupings relative to the teeth and gums being cleaned. For example, thehead of such a toothbrush could be designed to “wrap around” individualteeth resulting in deeper penetration of cleaning/treating elementsbetween teeth. Such a configuration provides overall cleaning, forexample, by independent movement of groups of cleaning/treating elementsrelative to the toothbrush head and each other.

In one example, a first group is a central grouping or “island” ofcleaning/treating elements flexibly mounted to the toothbrush head. Asecond group is fixedly mounted to the toothbrush head in aconfiguration surrounding at least part of the central grouping. Thecentral group is attached to the toothbrush head via, a flexibleelastomeric membrane, resilient plastic straps, webbing or othermaterial that flexibly interconnects the first group with the toothbrushhead.

In another embodiment, the toothbrush head is divided into a pluralityof separate cleaning areas. These areas include at least one andpreferably two areas wherein the cleaning/treating elements are mountedto a base with other areas having the cleaning/treating elements mountedto pods wherein the pods have a greater degree of movability than do thebases. The pods are resilient so that during use, the cleaning/treatingelements could be moved from their initial position and then returned tothe initial position. The pods may be formed from a narrow or smalldiameter beam extending from the body of the toothbrush head to acleaning/treating elements support pad. The narrow or small diameterbeam may be enclosed in elastic material.

In one other configuration, a relatively non-movable base is located ateach of the distal and proximal ends of the toothbrush head with atleast two elastic pods mounted between the two bases. These variouscleaning areas are separated from each other by channels extendingcompletely across the head in a transverse direction.

This application further discloses a toothbrush configuration havingmultiple groupings of cleaning/treating elements (“islands”) uniquelymounted to the head of a toothbrush, which mounting facilitates flexibleorientation of those groupings relative to the teeth and gums beingcleaned. More particularly, the groupings of cleaning/treating elementsare mounted relative to the toothbrush head using a transverse, flexiblemembrane or web extending from the periphery of the cleaning/treatingelements to the sidewalls of the toothbrush head. In one example, suchflexible mounting facilitates 360 degree limited angle wobble of thecleaning/treating elements, which, in turn, orients thecleaning/treating elements towards the teeth even if the toothbrush headis not angled directly parallel to the user's teeth.

One exemplary toothbrush of this configuration includes a head in theform of a base having an upstanding wall to create a peripheral frame.In one embodiment, a thin resilient membrane or web is mounted withinthe frame. The membrane or web is capable of flexing to facilitateorientation of the cleaning/treating elements carried by the membranerelative to the teeth of the user.

The cleaning/treating elements may be bristles secured to the membraneor web by in-molded technology. Additional cleaning/treating elementscan be arranged on the periphery of the “islands” to facilitate cleaningin those areas between the “islands”. In a one embodiment, theseadditional cleaning/treating elements are fixedly mounted to thetoothbrush head outside the periphery of the membrane or web flexiblyholding the “islands” of cleaning/treating elements. This combination offlexible and fixed mounting of cleaning/treating elements provides veryeffective brushing of teeth and massaging of gums.

In use, for example, pressure applied to the toothbrush handle by a usercauses a first group of cleaning/treating elements to contact the teethbeing cleaned. As the force applied to the toothbrush exceeds apredetermined volume, a central group of cleaning/treating elementsmoves relative to the balance of the head. This movement, in turn,allows an outer group of fixed cleaning/treating elements to contactother areas of the teeth located at a greater distance from the head,including interproximal spaces between teeth.

This desired flexibility of the central grouping of cleaning/treatingelements may be accomplished with an elastomeric bridge between thecentral movable group of cleaning/treating elements and the surroundingouter group of cleaning/treating elements. This elastomeric bridge maybe continuous or maybe a series of independent bridges with a voidbetween each bridge to encourage greater flexibility. The width of thisbridge can be adjusted to vary the amount of force needed to push thecentral group of cleaning/treating elements into a position where theouter group can achieve their greatest cleaning potential.

In another toothbrush configuration, the gap between the groups ofcleaning/treating elements corresponding to the width of the elastomericbridge between them can effectively be filled with elastomeric wipersthat move as force is applied to the central group of cleaning/treatingelements. For example, tapered elastomeric wipers can be mounted to theelastomeric bridge so that the narrower tip of the wipers flex in wardand outward as force is applied to and released from the toothbrushhandle. This wiping action further enhances the cleaning and treatingfunctions of the toothbrush.

In a powered configuration, the toothbrush has a power source. The powersource may be at least one battery, for example, 1, 2 or more batteries.The battery may be removable or fixed, rechargeable, non-rechargeable orrechargeable from an external source. Further, the battery may be of anysize, such as, for example, AA, AAA, 9V and C. Alternatively, the powersource may from an external source, for example via an AC adapter.

Turning to the Figures, both the toothbrush illustrated in FIG. 1 andthat according to FIGS. 2 and 3 each have a handle 1, a frontbristle-carrying head part 3 and a neck part 4, which connects the headpart 3 to the handle 1. The bristles combined to form clusters ofbristles 6 are anchored in a bristle carrier 5 and form a profiledbrushing surface with their free ends. In the embodiment illustrated,the bristle carrier 5 with the clusters of bristles 6 is positioned, ina manner which is known per se and thus is not described in detail, on aretaining part 2 of the head part 3 such that it can be exchanged. Also,as noted above, any of the arrangements of teeth cleaning elementsdisclosed herein could be used in place of the illustrated bristlepattern.

The neck part 4 is provided with neck-part zones 7 which are preferablymade of an elastically relatively compliant material component andprovide for, or additionally increase, the elasticity of the neck part4, with the result that, during use of the toothbrush, thebristle-carrying head part 3 can be forced back resiliently in the caseof forces acting in the direction of the brushing surface. Optionally,the neck-part zones 7 are designed as notches which extend over part ofthe neck circumference and are filled with elastically compliantmaterial (e.g., with a thermoplastic elastomer). It is understood thatthe form and number of neck-part zones can be different. It is alsoconceivable to have a flexible neck zone without using elastic materialcomponents, e.g., by providing constrictions or by way of a bellows.

Integrated in the front head part 3, or in that region of the neck part4 which is adjacent to the head part 3, is a mechanical vibratory device10, by means of which vibrations which effect or enhance theteeth-cleaning action may be imparted to the bristle-carrying head part3. The vibratory device 10 can be connected to an electric power source,accommodated in the handle 1, via electrical connections running in theneck part 4, as is described herein below. In one embodiment, neck-partzones 7 are made of an elastically compliant material which dampens thevibration between the vibrating head part 3 and the handle 1, with theresult that the vibratory action is produced, in particular, in the headpart and is transmitted to the handle 1 to a slight extent. This meansthat slight vibrations can be felt in the handle 1 during theteeth-cleaning operation, and the toothbrush is thus comfortable tohandle. In another embodiment, the vibration produced is not damped bythe handle 1 and can act to full effect in the head part 3. Instead ofthe neck-part zones 7 having elastically compliant-material, however,other vibration-damping elements could also be used. Further, thedampening may also be achieved, for example, by using a basic material,by the neck part being configured in a particular form, for example bythe presence of a bellows/accordion part, etc.

Accommodated in the handle 1 is a sheath or sleeve 20 which extends inthe longitudinal direction of said handle and is made of electricallyconductive material. Both the handle 1 and the sleeve 20 are open to therear, this forming a cavity 21 which can be closed from the rear by aclosure part 22 and into which it is possible to insert a battery 25, inthe preferred embodiment illustrated a commercially available,non-rechargeable cylindrical battery, with a defined power (e.g. 1.5 V)as the power source for the vibratory device 10. It would also bepossible, however, for a button cell or for a rechargeable storagebattery to be used as the power source.

A spring contact 29 for the positive pole 30 of the battery 25 (see FIG.2) is fitted in the sleeve 20, on a transverse wall 28, and is connectedto the vibratory device 10 via an electric line 31, a switch 32, whichis installed in the sleeve 20 and can be actuated from the outside ofthe handle 1, and an electric line 33 running in the neck part 4. Theelectrical connection can be interrupted by means of the switch 32.

The closure part 22 is provided with a threaded stub 22 a made of anelectrically conductive material and can be screwed into the handle 1and/or into the sleeve 20 by way of said threaded stub. The threadedstub 22 a is provided with a contact surface 22 b which, with theclosure part 22 screwed in, comes into abutment against the negativepole 35 of the battery 25 inserted into the sleeve 20. The negative pole35 is electrically connected to the vibratory device 10 via the threadedstub 22 a, the sleeve 20 itself and a line 34, which connects the sleeve20 to the vibratory device 10 and runs in the neck part 4.

Instead of being transmitted via the electrically conductive sleeve 20,it would also be possible for the power to be transmitted in some otherway, for example using wires or an electrically conductive plastic.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the vibratory device 10comprises a vibratory element 11′ which functions preferably in themanner of a vibratory armature, can be electrically connected directlyto the power source via the lines 33, 34 and, with the power sourceconnected, is made to vibrate.

In the case of the toothbrush variant illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, thevibratory device 10 comprises a vibratory element 11 in the form of aneccentric, which produces mechanical vibrations and can be rotated aboutan axis located in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush, andalso comprises a drive which is arranged directly adjacent and isdesigned as a micromotor 15. The vibratory element 11 is connected tothe shaft 15 a of the micromotor 15, which can be electrically connectedto the power source via the lines 33, 34. The micromotor 15 and theeccentric may be accommodated as a structural unit in a housing 12.

Instead of an eccentric which can be driven in rotation, it would alsobe possible to have a vibratory element 11 which can be driven in atranslatory manner. It would be possible, in the case of the toothbrushaccording to the invention, to arrange the bristle-carrying head part 3such that it can be moved in relation to the neck part 4 in order forthe latter, in the case of vibrations produced by means of the vibratorydevice 10, to be made to move in relation to the rest of the toothbrush.

The electric lines 31, 33, 34 could also be realized byelectricity-conducting plastic tracks. The switch 32, which connects orinterrupts the lines 31, 33, may also be, for example, a magneticswitch. A preferred configuration of the switch 32, however, has a pulseswitch arranged on a printed circuit board as well as further electroniccomponents which store the switching state.

It is also possible, however, for the electrical connection between thebattery 25 and the vibratory element 11′ (FIG. 1) or the drive 15 (FIGS.2 and 3) to be produced or interrupted not by the switch 32, but by theclosure part 22, which can be screwed into the handle and/or into thesleeve 20 or connected to the same in a bayonet-like manner, beingturned (i.e., the switch 32 is dispensed with in the case of such aconfiguration).

Instead of the rear closure part 22 being screwed to the handle 1, itwould, of course, also be possible to have some other type of releasableconnection (e.g., plug-in connection, bayonet connection, etc.) and acorresponding configuration of the contact part interacting with thenegative pole 35.

It would also be possible for the closure part 22 to be in a form whichis quite different to that illustrated in the drawing. For example, theclosure part could be provided with a set-down surface or a foot partand thus serve as an element on which the toothbrush can be set down.

The toothbrush illustrated in FIG. 4 corresponds essentially to thataccording to FIGS. 2 and 3. According to FIG. 4, the vibratory device 10is arranged directly in the front head part 3. In this exemplaryembodiment, the sleeve 20 is dispensed with; the battery 25 is connecteddirectly to the vibratory device 10 via the lines 33, 34. It is also thecase with this toothbrush that use is preferably made of an exchangeablebristle carrier 5, which can be positioned on a retaining part 2 of thehead part 3, e.g., in the manner of a snap-in connection. The capacityfor changing the bristle carrier 5 provided with the clusters ofbristles 6 is particularly advantageous since the toothbrush providedwith the vibratory device 10 can be used irrespective of the servicelife of the bristles, which is usually even shorter than the servicelife of the battery 25.

As can be seen from FIG. 5, it is possible, instead of the bristlecarrier 5 or 5 a, which forms part of a conventional brush head and isprovided with respective clusters of bristles 6 or 6 a, to positionother, optionally different bristle carriers or adapters 5 b to 5 d onthe retaining part 2, these being provided with different interdentalbrushes 6 b, 6 c or interdental treatment parts 6 d for effectivecleaning of the spaces between the teeth. The interdental brush 6 b maybe designed, for example, as a helical brush made of coated wire withplastic filaments twisted in. The interdental brush 6 c comprisesbristles which, together, form a cluster tip. The treatment part 6 d maybe designed, for example, as a plastic element which has a tip and maypreferably be provided with an abrasive coating for removing plaque andtartar from the spaces between the teeth. Of course, it would also bepossible to use any other desired treatment heads. It is also the casewith the variant according to FIGS. 4 and 5 that the bristle carrier 5could be configured such that a vibration-induced movement in relationto the retaining part 2 were possible.

For the introduction of the vibratory device 10, the connecting lines33, 34 and further electronic components, it is possible for atoothbrush according to the invention, or the housing thereof, to beproduced in two parts and for the two parts to be welded in awater-tight manner once the abovementioned parts have been positionedtherein. It is also possible, however, for a toothbrush according to theinvention to be produced by injection molding preferably involving twoor more components. The abovementioned parts are advantageouslypositioned as a unit in an injection molding made of a first materialcomponent and then encapsulated in the second material component (or inthe further material component) by injection molding. It is notnecessary here for full encapsulation to take place. Certain parts maybe exposed, as a result of which it is possible to achieve an estheticeffect.

It would also be possible, however, for the abovementioned electroniccomponents to be inserted into a ready-molded handle 1. In a preferredembodiment, since it is not only the vibratory element 11, 11′ itselfbut also the drive, i.e. the micromotor 15, which are arranged in thefront head part 3, or in the directly adjacent front region of the neckpart 4, it is not necessary for a mechanical drive element to be ledthrough the flexible neck part 4 in order to connect the micromotor tothe vibratory element 11. In this embodiment, electric lines 33, 34(e.g., wires, cables or electrically conductive plastic tracks) runthrough the neck part 4.

According to one embodiment of the invention, use is made of amechanical vibratory device 10 which has a diameter of less than about15 mm preferably less than about 6 mm, and is less than about 35 mm,preferably less than about 20 mm, in length. This ensures that thetoothbrush may be of ergonomic configuration and is easy to handle. Atoothbrush according to the invention corresponds, in size, more or lessto the conventional manual toothbrushes, which makes them morestraightforward to handle in comparison with the commercially available,considerably larger electric toothbrushes. A number of headconfigurations can produce an enhanced cleaning effect when themechanical vibratory device is engaged.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a toothbrush 610 in accordance with one embodimentof this invention. As shown therein toothbrush 610 includes an elongatedhand-held handle 612 with a head 614 connected to and extending from thehandle. The head 614 is divided into a plurality of separate cleaningareas which are spaced from each other. As illustrated the cleaningareas include a base 616 located at the distal end of the head 614 andprojecting outwardly from the main body portion 930 of the head. Base616 includes at least one and preferably a plurality ofcleaning/treating elements 618. Head 614 further includes a base orsupporting member 620 at the proximal end of head 614 cleaning/treatingelements 618 also extend outwardly from base 620.

Mounted between the cleaning areas which incorporate bases 616 and 620are a pair of pods 622, 624. Each pod is provided with at least one andpreferably a plurality of cleaning/treating elements. As later describedthe pods 622, 624 have a greater degree of movability than do the bases616, 620. In a preferred practice of the invention the pods 622, 624 areresilient members so that the pod cleaning/treating elements add amotion range beyond the cleaning/treating elements 618 which aregenerally static or non-movable. Because the various cleaning/treatingelements are separated from each other such as by channels 728, whichextend completely across head 614 in a transverse direction, and becauseof the elastic nature of pods 622, 624, the cleaning/treating elements626 may be capable of 360 degrees rotation about the vertical axis ofeach individual pod. The angle of the bend may be dictated by theability of the material to bend.

Toothbrush 610 thus provides a head 614 wherein the front (distal end)and the back (proximal end) areas are in a relatively fixed position andwherein the cleaning/treating elements, such as bristle strands, 618 donot have any extra degree of motion. The middle portion of head 614,however, has two areas of cleaning/treating elements 626, which arecapable of 360 degree rotation.

As best shown in FIG. 9 the head 614 includes a main body portion 930which supports the bases and pods. Body portion 930 and bases 616 and620 are preferably made from conventional hard plastic materials, suchas polypropylene, commonly used in the making of toothbrush handles andheads. Pods 622, 624, however, are made so as to be resilient. In apreferred practice of this invention, the resiliency of pods 622, 624 isachieved by providing a thin diameter beam 932 which extends from themain body portion 930 of the head of the toothbrush. Beam 932 is joinedinto the bottom of a thin pad or plate 934 which provides a support areaonto which the cleaning/treating elements 626 are affixed. The manner ofmounting the cleaning/treating elements 626 to the support pads 934 canbe achieved utilizing various cleaning/treating elements, such asbristles and other cleaning materials, in known attachment methods.

The desired flexibility or resiliency of the pods 622, 624 is enhancedby enclosing the thin beams 932 in elastic material 936 which could beacquired during the multi-injection molding process. The elasticmaterial 936 serves as a rubber band by returning the beams 932 to theiroriginal form or initial position. This return action creates an activemotion in the opposite direction of the beam bend which aids in thecleaning of teeth by introducing extra brushing strokes.

As best shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 9 the pods 622, 624 include a widenedportion disposed toward the body 930. The support pads 934 are alsowidened. Each pod has a narrow or reduced diameter central portion 938longitudinally intermediate the length of each pod. Thus, each pod is ofgenerally mushroom shape.

Beam 932 could be of any suitable shape such as having a cross-sectionwhich is circular, square or any other geometric shape that provides athin dimension or thin diameter to the beam to facilitate thebendability of the beam. The elastomer 936 may be considered as acontinuous layer of any suitable thickness which covers the entirecentral area of head 614 as illustrated so that both pods 622, 624 areincorporated as part of the same elastic material. The portion of thehead 614 which includes pods 622, 624 may be formed as a separatesubassembly similar to the subassembly later described with respect toFIGS. 10 and 11.

Although the invention could be practiced with a single base and asingle pod and could be practiced with the base having some, but alesser degree of flexibility than the pod, the invention is preferablypracticed wherein the base is generally static or non-movable. Inaddition, the invention is preferably practiced where there are aplurality of such bases and a plurality of pods. The drawings illustratea configuration of the invention where there are a total of fourseparate cleaning areas with the pods being located in the centralportion of head 614. The invention may be practiced in a configurationin which the cleaning/treating elements comprise a plurality of bristlesor strands on each base and each pod.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 each base 616 and 620 and each pod 622 and 624may have a generally oval outer surface. The bases and pods arelongitudinally aligned, but spaced from each other by the depressions oropen areas which form the channels 728. As also illustrated in FIG. 8the pods may have a larger outer surface or cleaning/treating elementcarrying surface than do the bases.

As shown in FIG. 7 the terminal surfaces of the cleaning/treatingelements 618 and 626 are tapered so that the terminal surfaces of thecleaning/treating elements 618 taper outwardly in a direction toward thecenter of head 614 while the terminal surfaces of cleaning/treatingelements 626 taper outwardly in a direction away from the center of head614. Thus, the highest points of each set of cleaning/treating elements618 and its adjacent set of cleaning/treating elements 626 are generallydisposed toward each other for each pair of base and pod 616, 622 and620, 624.

Any suitable form of cleaning/treating elements may be used as thecleaning/treating elements 618 and 626 in the broad practice of thisinvention. The term “cleaning/treating elements” is intended to be usedin a generic sense which could include conventional fiber bristles ormassage elements or other forms of cleaning/treating elements such aselastomeric fingers or walls arranged in a circular cross-sectionalshape or any type of desired shape including straight portions orsinusoidal portions. Where bristles are used, the bristles could bemounted to tuft blocks or sections by extending through suitableopenings in the tuft blocks so that the base of the bristles is mountedwithin or below the tuft block.

Using different cleaning materials as cleaning/treating elements of thetoothbrushes may yield different effects. In an attempt to providebetter stain removal a rubber-like material or elastomer can be used incombination with conventional bristles or used by itself to“brighten/whiten” the teeth.

It is to be understood that the specific illustration of thecleaning/treating elements is merely for exemplary purposes. Theinvention can be practiced with various combinations of the same ordifferent cleaning/treating element configurations (such as stapled orin-molded technology bristles, etc.) and/or with the same bristle orcleaning/treating elements materials (such as nylon bristles, spiralbristles, rubber bristles, etc.) Similarly, while FIG. 7 illustrates thecleaning/treating elements to be generally perpendicular to the outersurface of head 614, some or all of the cleaning/treating elements maybe angled at various angles with respect to the outer surface of head614. It is thereby possible to select the combination ofcleaning/treating element configurations, materials and orientations toachieve specific intended results to deliver additional oral healthbenefits, like enhanced cleaning tooth polishing, tooth whitening and/ormassaging of the gums. Further, although shown as a manual toothbrush,the disclosed head and cleaning elements could be formed as part of apowered brush, e.g., as part of a vibrating brush (as in FIG. 1) withthe drive means disclosed for the brush of FIG. 16, or other knownpowered brushes where the heads or parts of the heads (e.g., platforms)are driven.

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate a further embodiment of this invention. Thetoothbrush 1110A has the ability to provide flexible support for thebristles 1026A, 1126A in designated areas. The flexibility is providedby designing the tuft holding areas 1034A, 1134A as plates which incombination with the stems 1038A, 1138A forms pods of mushroom shape.The mushroom stem 1038A, 1138A is made flexible to allow the plate1034A, 1134A populated with bristles or cleaning/treating elements1026A, 1126A to move in different directions while brushing, asdescribed with respect to the flexible pods of FIGS. 6-9.

FIG. 11 shows the toothbrush 1110A and in particular thecleaning/treating element or bristle carrying portion 1023 of the head1114A. As shown in FIG. 10 the bristle or cleaning/treating elementcarrying portion 1023 forms an initial subassembly. This subassembly ismade by introducing the cleaning/treating elements 1026A into the moldcavity into which a plastic material is injected. As the materialinjected cools off it permanently traps the bristles orcleaning/treating elements 1026A to form a brush or subassembly 1023.

To achieve a functional flexibility and proper tuft retention theportion of the bristle holding part or subassembly 1023 which comprisesthe plates 1034A, stems 1038A and interconnecting support 1025 ispreferably a blend of polypropylene (PP) and soft TPE. Once the PP/TPEblend is combined with the bristles 1026A the subassembly 1023 isformed. As shown in FIG. 11, the subassembly 1023 is then overmoldedwith an entire toothbrush handle 1112A and head 1114A during a secondinjection cycle to form the completed toothbrush 1110A. If desired orrequired the entire handle 1112A and head 1114A absent the subassembly1023 could be made first and the subassembly or bristle retainingportion 1023 made second.

It is to be understood that one embodiment of the invention described inFIG. 11 could be practiced where all portions of the head 1114A includethe flexible mushroom sections without having less flexible baseportions such as bases 616 and 620 of FIGS. 6-9. Similarly, thesubassembly two shot techniques of FIGS. 10-11 could be utilized in theembodiment of FIGS. 6-9 for forming the two or more central pods as asingle subassembly initially made separate from the remainder of thetoothbrush head 1114A. The final toothbrush would be made in a secondinjection molding process wherein the subassembly having interconnectedpods 622, 624 would be molded to the handle 612 and head 614 made ofmore rigid material.

As noted, FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the terminal surfaces of thecleaning/treating elements 618 and 626, respectively, to be tapered inan up and down or zigzag manner. FIGS. 10-11 show an alternative taperwherein the terminal surfaces form a smooth, gentle, concave shape. Ifdesired, other shapes may be used such as a planar shape for theterminal surfaces or a convex shape as well as the zigzag or up and downshape shown in FIG. 7. Similarly, the terminal ends of thecleaning/treating elements in the FIGS. 6-9 embodiment, as well as thoseof FIGS. 10-11, could have the various shapes such as zigzag, convex,concave or planar.

FIG. 12 illustrates a toothbrush 1210B, which includes a power drivenmovable disc or section 1240 having cleaning elements. Although FIG. 12shows movable section 1240 to be at the distal end of the head, themovable section(s) could be located at any desired location on the head.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate heads 1314, 1414, 1514 of a manual toothbrush1310 in accordance with embodiments of this invention. Heads 1314, 1414,1514 can be attached to handle 1312 (partially shown in FIG. 13). Heads1414, 1415 have bottom surfaces 1415, 1515, respectively. In oneembodiment, two groups of cleaning/treating elements or bristle arearranged on heads 1314, 1414, 1514. The first group is located in thecentral region 1417, 1517 of the head 1314, 1414, 1514 and comprisescleaning/treating elements 1318, 1418, 1518 in the form of strands orbristles. Elastomeric material 1320, 1420, 1520 is preferably made of amaterial or combinations of material that can flex to become alteredfrom its original shape and recover to its original shape randomlyduring brushing.

The first group of cleaning/treating elements 1318, 1418, 1518 flexiblymounted in head 1314, 1414, 1514 and 1614 (FIG. 16) are complemented bya second group of fixed cleaning/treating elements 1322, 1422, 1522generally arrayed in a surrounding relationship with the first group1318, 1418, 1518.

The first and second group of cleaning/treating elements work togetherto provide improved cleansing of teeth. To further promote teethcleaning, the toothbrush 1310 of this invention may include, forexample, wipers 1324, 1424, 1524 positioned between the two groups ofcleaning/treating elements. These wipers are preferably made of rubberor like material and terminate in ends 1325, 1425, 1525. Further, anysuitable form of cleaning/treating elements may be used as thecleaning/treating elements 1318 and 1322 in the broad practice of thisinvention.

It is to be understood that the specific illustration of thecleaning/treating elements is merely for exemplary purposes. Theinvention can be practiced with various combinations of the same ordifferent cleaning/treating element configurations (such as stapled orin-molded technology bristles, etc.) and/or with the same bristle orcleaning/treating element materials (such as nylon bristles, spiralbristles, rubber bristles, etc.) Similarly, while FIG. 13 illustratesthe cleaning/treating elements to be generally perpendicular to head1314 some or all of the, cleaning/treating elements may be angled atvarious angles with respect to the outer surface of head 1314. It isthereby possible to select the combination of cleaning elementconfigurations, materials and orientations to achieve specific intendedresults to deliver additional oral health benefits, like enhancedcleaning, tooth polishing, tooth whitening and/or massaging of the gums.

This invention may also be practiced where head 1314 includes one ormore power or electrically operated movable sections carryingcleaning/treating elements.

FIG. 16 illustrates a toothbrush 1610A which includes a power drivenmovable disc or section 1650 having cleaning/treating elements. Themovable section 1650 could be oscillated rotationally such as by usingthe type of drive mechanism shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,916, or couldmove in and out using the type of drive mechanism shown in U.S. Pat. No.Re 35,941; all of the details of both patents are incorporated herein byreference thereto. Alternatively, the other types of drives referred toabove could move section 1650 in other manners and directions. AlthoughFIG. 16 shows movable section 1650 to be at one end of the head, themovable section(s) could be located at any desired location on the head.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a toothbrush 1710 with a handle 1712 and head1714, 1814. Mounted on or in head 1714, 1814 are fingers 1716, 1816,preferably having a tapered shape. As shown in FIG. 18 fingers 1816 arepreferably arranged about the periphery of head 1814. That locationmaterially assists the gum massaging effect of the finger movementcontemplated by this invention. More particularly, when the longitudinalaxis of toothbrush 1710 is perpendicular to the axis of teeth beingbrushed, as is typical with most users, the fingers 1716, 1816 areclosest to the gum line.

The fingers 1716, 1816 are preferably flexible and soft to the touch.Accordingly they may be formed of a soft elastomeric material. Thegeneral shape of fingers 2616, 2716, 2816 is illustrated in FIGS. 26-28attached to heads 2614, 2714, 2814. As so illustrated they are taperedand comprise all elastomeric material (FIG. 26) or a set of bristles2718, 2818 partially surrounded by elastomeric material 2620, 2720, 2820(FIGS. 27 and 28). The elastomeric material preferably extend along thelength of finger 2616, 2716, 2816 a sufficient distance to facilitateattachment of ribs as described in more detail below.

To facilitate the therapeutic movement of the fingers, the head of thetoothbrush may be flexible and the fingers may be flexibly mounted inthe head. FIG. 25 illustrates one form of flexible mounting of fingersin head 2514. In this embodiment the head 2514 has a box-like shape incross section. At least the upper face 2522 of head 2514, and preferablythe entirety of head 2514, is made of a flexible material so that theaxes of fingers 2516 can move relative to the plane of toothbrush 1710.The fingers 2516 project from apertures 2526 in the flexible upper face2522 of head 2514. The fingers 2516 are connected to ribs 2524. Any riband finger 2216, 2316, 2416 arrangement shown in FIGS. 22-24 can bemolded into the toothbrush head 2214. This flexible mounting in aflexible portion 2222 of head 2214 assists in obtaining the desiredlateral movement of fingers relative to the axes of toothbrush 1710. Therole of ribs in obtaining that movement is explained below.

FIG. 29 illustrates a powered toothbrush 2910A containing the fingers2916 of the invention mounted on a flexible head 2914 of the toothbrush.Cleaning elements 1817 may be mounted inboard of fingers 1816 asillustrated in FIG. 18. Although FIG. 29 shows movable section 2930 tobe at the distal end of the head, the movable section(s) could belocated at any desired location on the head.

Another manner of imparting movement to the fingers 3016, 3116 isillustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31. As illustrated, fingers 3016, 3116 arephysically linked to a flexible face 3022A, 3122A of head 3014, 3114 byangled rib 3024, 3124. Rib 3024, 3124 can be integrally molded into head3014, 3114 and finger 3016, 3116 during the manufacture of toothbrush1710. It can also be formed of a more rigid (than elastomeric) materialsuch as polypropylene in order to enhance lateral movement of fingers3016, 3116. Flexible face 3022A, 3122A of head 3014, 3114 in thisembodiment can be molded around frame members 3026, 3126 forming theouter periphery of head 3014, 3114. These frame members 3026, 3126 ofhead 3014, 3114 may be attached to handle 1712 of toothbrush 1710 in aknown manner.

The role of ribs and the flexible head in imparting lateral movement tothe fingers is illustrated in FIGS. 18-21. FIG. 18 illustrates thelocation of fingers 1816 and ribs along outer edges of flexible face1822 of head 1814. Other groups of bristles or cleaning/treatingelements 1817 are arranged inboard of fingers 1816 as illustrated inFIG. 18. Fingers 1816 on the outer edge of head 1614 are closest to thegum line when the user holds the toothbrush in a normal position, i.e.,with the longitudinal axis perpendicular to the axis of the user'steeth. Ribs 1824 extend from the side of finger 1816 to the face 1822 offlexible head 1814. These ribs can have a triangular, trapezoidal orlike shape that interconnects the finger 1816 to the face of flexiblehead 1814. This interconnection assures lateral movement of finger 1816as the face 1822 deflects outward or inward along the longitudinal axiswhen in use as described below.

The lateral movement of fingers 1816, 1916, 2016, 2116 is illustrated inthe sequence shown in FIGS. 18-21. The fingers 1816, 1916, 2016, 2116have ribs 1824, 1924, 2024, 2124 that terminated in ends 1828, 1928,2028, 2128. In FIG. 19 there is no deflection of face 1922 or 1924 offlexible head 1914. FIG. 20 represents a deflection of face 2022 thatstretches that face as shown by the arrows 2023 at the edge of thisfragmental view. When so stretched the ends 2028 of rib 2024 anchored toface 2022 move away from each other. That movement exerts a lateralforce on finger 2016 causing it to move laterally toward the outsideperiphery of head 2014 as indicated by the arrow 2025 in FIG. 20.Conversely, when deflection of face 2122 of head 2114 causes that faceto compress, as shown by the arrows 2123 at the edge of the fragmentalview, the ribs 2124 push finger 2116 laterally in the opposite directionas indicated by the arrow 2125 in FIG. 21. Thus, as various forces aretransmitted to flexible face 2122 of head 2114 during use, that headmoves in compression or expansion. That movement causes fingers 2116 tomove in a lateral direction thereby promoting tooth cleaning and gumstimulation.

Another embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31 showsribs 3024, 3124 oriented approximately 90 degrees to the longitudinalaxis of toothbrush 1710 versus approximately 45 degrees shown in FIGS.18-21. In the former embodiment, movement of the flexible face 3022A inan upward direction (FIG. 30) causes lateral inward movement of fingers3016 as illustrated by the arrows 3127 in this Figure. Conversely,downward movement of flexible face 3022A would cause lateral movement offingers 3016 away from each other toward the outside of head 3014 (notillustrated).

Other arrangements of ribs 2224, 2324, 2424 and their attachment tofingers 2216, 2316, 2416 are illustrated in FIGS. 22-24. The ribs 2224,2324, 2424 terminate in ends 2228, 2328, 2428. The arrangements arelocated on flexible faces 2222, 2322, 2422. As illustrated, multiplefingers 2216, 2316, 2416 are interconnected by a continuous rib 2224,2324, 2424. FIG. 22 illustrates the interconnecting ribs 2224 on oneside of fingers 2216. Thus, upon deflection of flexible face 2222 ofhead 2214 all fingers 2216 move in the same direction as indicated bythe arrows 2229, 2329 in FIGS. 22 and 23. If it were desirable to havethe fingers 2416 move in different directions the arrangement of ribs2424 shown in FIG. 24 can be utilized.

It is to be understood that the specific illustration of thecleaning/treating element is merely for exemplary purposes. Theinvention can be practiced with various combinations of the same ordifferent cleaning/treating element configurations (such as stapled orin-molded technology bristles, etc.) and/or with the same bristle orcleaning/treating element materials (such as nylon bristles, spiralbristles, rubber bristles, etc.). Similarly, while FIG. 18 illustratesthe cleaning/treating elements to be generally perpendicular to head1814, some or all of the cleaning/treating elements may be angled atvarious angles with respect to the outer surface of head 1814. It isthereby possible to select the combination of cleaning/treating elementconfigurations, materials and orientations to achieve specific intendedresults to deliver additional oral health benefits, like enhancedcleaning, tooth polishing, tooth whitening and/or massaging of the gums.This technology may also be used in manually powered toothbrushes.

Referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, an exemplary toothbrush including a headplate according to the invention is illustrated and generally indicatedat 3200. Toothbrush 3200 includes a handle 3202 at a proximal endthereof, and a brush section 3204 that is defined by a neck 3210 thatterminates in a head 3220 at a distal end of toothbrush 3200. Handle3202 has a free proximal end 3208 and an opposite neck end 3206. Neck3210 generally includes a first end 3214 and a second end 3216 withfirst end 3214 being located at neck end 3206 of handle 3202 and thesecond end 3216 being located at head 3220. In other words, neck 3210 isthe portion of toothbrush 3200 that extends between handle 3202 and head3220. Head 3220 is preferably generally aligned with the longitudinalaxis x-x of toothbrush 3200.

Neck 3210 and handle 3202 may be constructed as a unitary member byforming neck 3210 integral to handle 3202 at neck end 3206 of handle3202, or may be formed detachable from handle 3202 at the neck end 3206.In accordance with this detachable embodiment, the combined neck 3210and head 3220 can be removed from handle 3202 to permit cleaning,servicing and/or interchanging of either handle 3202 or the combinedneck 3210 and head 3220 (brush section 3204). When neck 3210 is formedto be detachable from handle 3202, first neck end 3214 preferablyincludes a connector linkage (not shown) detachably joined to handle3202 using traditional techniques. It will also be appreciated that thepoint of detachment may be between head 3220 and neck 3210 such thathead 3220 is of a refill head type.

It will further be appreciated that the illustrated shapes of handle3202 and neck 3210 are merely exemplary in nature and handle 3202 and/orneck 3210 can be formed to have any number of shapes. Preferably, theshapes of handle 3202 and neck 3210 are ergonomically pleasing to a userof toothbrush 3200 and provide a toothbrush that is easily gripped andheld and easily manipulated by a user. For example, handle 3202 mayinclude a slightly recessed finger section 3218 which is formed onhandle 3202. The recessed finger section 3218 is designed to receive thethumb of one hand to thereby assist a user in proper placement oftoothbrush 3200 in a user's hand. Recessed finger section 3218 mayinclude ribs or another type of roughened surface to assist a user ingripping toothbrush 3200 at recessed finger sections 3218. Of courseother patterns for providing recessed finger sections may be employed.

The head plate for the bristles is formed with a solid perimeter anddefines a field of variously shaped and sized holes within thisperimeter. Fibers that are to form the tufts are then placed in theholes in the field of the head plate, and the backs of the tufts aremelted together to fix their position relative to one another.

The tufted head plate is then inserted into a predefined receivingportion of the head portion of a toothbrush handle and is sonicallywelded into place. The brush is then end rounded and packaged for saleas a traditional toothbrush.

As is shown in FIGS. 32 and 33 of the present invention, a head plate3250 is provided, and is fixed to head 3220 of toothbrush 3200,preferably by sonic welding, although any other appropriate attachmenttechnique may be employed. Head plate 3250 is fanned of at least twomaterials. A first rigid material is used to form the perimeter portion3252 of the head plate. Such a material, such as for examplepolypropylene, is easily sonically welded. A tuft field 3254 is formedof a flexible elastomer (preferably having a hardness of 90 Shore A orless).

A process known as “Anchor Free Tufting” (AFT) is used in the formationof head 3250. In such an AFT process, head plate 3250 is used forholding toothbrush bristles in their proper orientation. When thebristles are placed in their proper orientation through thecorresponding holes in the head plate 3250, the head plate 3250 isplaced in the head plate cavity formed in the front face of the headsection 3204 of the brush, and for insertion into a toothbrush.

As is best shown in FIG. 32, head plate 3250 is formed with a solidperimeter and defines a field of variously shaped and sized apertures orholes 3256 within the flexible elastomer tuft field 3254. Fibers thatare to form one or more bristle tufts 3258 are then placed in the holesin field 3254 of head plate 3250, and the backs of tufts 3258 are meltedtogether to fix their position relative to one another. Thus, such ahead plate is able to flex, thereby allowing the tuft field and bristlesto move under normal brushing conditions, while providing a perimeter ofstructural rigidity that is able to be sonically welded. Therefore, thehead plate and bristles move or flex under the pressure of normalbrushing. While bristles 3258 are shown, elastomeric members may also beused in place of these 31 tufts. Furthermore, while a particular tuftfield pattern is shown, any desirable tuft field pattern may beemployed. Furthermore, the bristle material need not be the same for allof the tufts, and indeed varying materials for performance color orindication of life remaining in the brush head, may be used exclusively,or in combination as desired.

FIG. 34 illustrates a toothbrush 3410 which could be of generallytypical structure in the sense of having a handle 3412 at one endconnected to a cleaning head 3414 which has an outer surface 3416 fromwhich a plurality of cleaning/treating elements extend.

In a preferred embodiment, toothbrush 3410 includes a mechanicalvibratory device as described above (not shown in FIG. 34) which causesthe cleaning head to vibrate. The mechanical vibratory device ispreferably located in the head or in a region adjacent to the cleaninghead and operatively connected to an electric power source.

In accordance with this invention the cleaning head 3414, as shown inFIG. 35, may include a peripheral frame 3518. A resilient membrane 3520is secured across frame 3518 so that membrane 3520 is free to move in adirection toward and away from the outer surface 3416. The membrane 3520could be recessed below outer surface 3416 or could be flush with theouter surface. Because membrane 3416 is mounted across frame 3418 whenpressure is applied to membrane 3520 the membrane would move in adirection away from the outer surface 3416 and would return in theopposite direction upon release or diminution of pressure.

Head 3414 may be completely open in the area of frame 3518, except formembrane 3520, or may include a rear wall spanning the frame and spacedfrom membrane 3520 to permit inward movement of membrane 3520.

An embodiment of the present invention is preferably directed towardmaking use of the movement that results from resilient membrane 3520 incombination with various specialized types of cleaning/treatingelements, particularly such elements wherein some of the elements havephysical characteristics which differ from other of the elements so thatan enhanced cleaning or treatment results from the combination of theactual cleaning/treating elements performing their specialized functionsand the movement of the resilient or flexible membrane 3520. Membrane3520 may be considered as defining a cleaning field in which the variouscleaning/treating elements are located.

FIG. 34 illustrates some examples of cleaning/treating elements whereinthe various elements are in the form of different types of bristles. Thebristle pattern of FIG. 34 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,643,886 toMoskovich et al. filed on Feb. 21, 2001, which is hereby expresslyincorporated by reference. As illustrated, the cleaning/treatingelements include angled bristles 3422, 3424 which may also be arrangedto crisscross each other. Other bristles could include generallystraight or inclined bristles having slanted or pointed ends,respectively, and other straight bristles 3428 having flat ends. Theslanted end bristles 3426 have their outer surface taper from one sideto another, while the pointed portion of the bristles 3430 is located atthe center of the bristles. As shown in FIGS. 34 and 38 the variouscombinations of bristles could also result in multi-level bristles.

The bristles could be secured to membrane 3520 in any suitable mannersuch as by anchor-free tufting or by any other conventional techniques.Instead of having individual tufts of bristles the bristles could belocated closely together to form an elongated bristle wall 3832 such asshown in FIG. 38. Such bristle wall 3832 could be included on the samecleaning field as various of the previously described tufts of bristles.The wall 3832 could be straight, curved, sinusoidal or of any desiredshape.

The invention may be practiced where the cleaning/treating elements areelastomeric elements rather than tufts of bristles of FIGS. 34 and 38made of nylon fiber or the like. It is also contemplated that theinvention may be practiced where the cleaning/treating elements includea combination of bristle elements and non-bristle elements. Thenon-bristle elements include, for example, a tongue-cleaning structure,elastomeric fingers, elastomeric walls and prophy cups. As noted above,this kind of head could be used as a manual or powered toothbrush.

FIGS. 36-37 show some examples of the incorporation of elastomericcleaning/treating elements. As shown in FIG. 36 a plurality of rubber orelastomeric fingers 3634 are mounted to membrane 3520. The fingers couldbe of any suitable size and shape such as being oval at their base andtapering uniformly inwardly toward their free end to generally end in apoint or narrow line type structure at their free end. The size of theindividual elastomeric fingers 3634 could vary as illustrated in FIG.36. FIG. 37 shows other forms of elastomeric cleaning/treating elements.Such other forms include prophy cups 3736, elastomeric walls 3738 andelastomeric fingers 3740 which would be conically shaped to function asmassage elements. The elastomeric walls could be straight, arcuate,sinusoidal or of any other desired shape. The size and number andlocation of these elastomeric elements could vary. FIG. 37 also showsthe combination of elastomeric elements and bristles. As shown therein,various tufts of bristles 3742 are located in a ring-like pattern arounda central portion of bristles 3744. It is to be understood that anycombination of the bristles and/or elastomeric elements mounted tomembrane 3520 could be used within the spirit of this invention.Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 39, the frame 3518 of head 3414 couldbe of sufficient size so as to accommodate cleaning/treating elementssuch as spaced tufts of bristles 3946 secured directly to the rigidmaterial such as conventionally used in the toothbrush head and handle.These fixed cleaning/treating elements 3946 would be in combination withthe movable elements on the cleaning field formed by membrane 3520. Aspreviously noted, any of the disclosed heads could be used in manual orpowered toothbrushes.

The toothbrush and particularly the cleaning head 3414 could also beprovided with various forms of structure to achieve tongue cleaning.Thus, FIG. 38 illustrates tongue cleaning structure 3848 at the backsideof head 3414 while FIG. 39 illustrates the tongue cleaning structure3950 at the tip of cleaning head 2414 remote from the handle. The tonguecleaning structure could be stiff or flexible fingers or walls, madefrom a suitable elastomeric material. The various cleaning/treatingelements could also be located to provide for interproximal cleaning.Further, any of the tongue cleansers disclosed herein can be used on anyof the heads, in conjunction with manual or powered toothbrushes, orused as a separate oral care implement.

In the preferred practice of the invention the resilient membrane 3520has mounted to it a plurality of various types of cleaning/treatingelements with different physical characteristics. Such physicalcharacteristics could be of the types previously described with regardto size, shape and structure of the cleaning/treating elements or couldbe the result of different internal characteristics such as differingdegrees of stiffness.

The present invention thus makes it possible to select the combinationof cleaning/treating element configurations, materials and orientationsto achieve specific intended results to deliver additional oral healthbenefits such as enhanced cleaning, tooth polishing, tooth whiteningand/or the massaging of gums. These results are enhanced by mounting thevarious cleaning/treating elements on the resilient cleaning field sothat in addition to the benefits from the specific physicalcharacteristics of the individual cleaning/treating elements there isalso a movement imparted to the cleaning/treating elements when pressureis applied to the elements such as by contacting the teeth therebycausing the resilient membrane to move in response to the pressure.

Referring now to FIG. 40 of the drawings, a toothbrush 4010 of thisinvention includes a body formed of an elongated member with a head 4012on one end and a handle 4014 on the other. The handle 4014 may beconventional in shape. The head 4012 has a flattened bristle mountingsurface or face 4016, from which extend a plurality of bristles havingproximal ends attached to the face 4016 and distal ends extendingoutwardly from the head 4012. As seen in FIG. 40, there are two types ofbristle groups, the first type being peripheral bristle tufts 4018,located about the periphery of the head 4012. These peripheral bristletufts 4018 are generally symmetrical in cross-section, i.e. circular,square, or, if oval or rectangular, having a larger cross-sectionaldimension less than about 1.3 times the shorter cross-sectionaldimension. Further, these peripheral bristle tufts 4018 have across-sectional diameter or larger dimension of from about 1.0 mm toabout 2.0 mm, preferably from 1.4 mm to about 1.9 mm, and morepreferably from about 1.5 mm to about 1.7 mm. The second type of bristlegroup shown are bristle bars 4020, which are generally elongated inshape and which are located adjacent to the peripheral bristle tufts4018 and internal to the head 4012 of the peripheral bristle tufts 4018.Bristle bars 4020 have a cross-sectional length of at least 2.5 mm,preferably at least 3.0 mm and more preferably at least 4 mm. Thebristle bars may also be formed as elastomeric walls of rubber or otherelastomeric material (e.g., SEBS).

In a preferred embodiment, toothbrush 4010 includes a mechanicalvibratory device as described above (not shown in FIG. 40) which causesthe head to vibrate. The mechanical vibratory device is located in thehead or in a region adjacent to the head and operatively connected to anelectric power source. The bristle tufts and bristle bars are moved bythe mechanical vibratory device and/or independently of the mechanicalvibratory device in a manner so as to provide an enhanced scrubbingaction of the teeth and gums. Nevertheless, the head could be driven byother means or used as a manual brush.

As illustrated in FIGS. 40 and 41 the bristle bars 4020 of the presentinvention can be shaped in a variety of geometric forms, such assubstantially parallelepipeds; or alternately having curved foot-printsto conform to the curvature of the toothbrush head 4012; or combinationsthereof. The peripheral bristle tufts 4018 can preferably be taller,i.e., in height from the face 4016, than the bristle bars 4020 or anyother bristle tufts on the toothbrush. Peripheral bristle tufts 4018having such extra height over any other bristle tufts within the head4012 will penetrate into the interproximal areas between teeth forenhanced cleaning therein without interference by such other shorterbristle tufts. It is preferred that the peripheral bristle tufts arefrom about 9.0 mm to about 13.0 mm in height about the face 4016 of thetoothbrush, preferably from about 11 mm to about 12 mm in height.Further, the bristle bars 4020 are preferably at least about 50% toabout 85% of the height of the peripheral bristle tufts 4018, so as toprovide the desired support to the peripheral bristle tufts 4018.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,275 to Volpenhein discloses that in addition to thestiffness characteristics of the bristles, the more tightly bristles arepacked together in tufts, the more additional support they will lendeach other to enhance their overall stiffness and cleaning ability.Volpenhein further discloses as a measure of this effect a ButtressFactor defined as the cross-sectional area taken up by the bristlesdivided by the total cross sectional area of the tuft at its base, i.e.,from 0 to 1. The higher the Buttress Factor, the greater the stiffnessand cleaning ability of the bristles. While Volpenhein disclosestoothbrushes having Buttress Factors of from 0.8 to 0.96, the bristletufts 4018 and bristle bars 4020 in the present invention surprisinglyonly require a Buttress Factor of from about 0.6 to about 0.75.Preferably the Buttress Factor of both the bristle tufts 4018 and thebristle bars 4020 of the present invention is from about 0.65 to about0.7, and most preferably about 0.68. This Buttress Factor range isfurther advantageous in equating closely with DuPont Polymersrecommended optimum bristle wear performance packing factor range of0.63 to 0.74, defined similarly as filament cross-sectional area dividedby tuft hole opening. See, DuPont Polymers, Wilmington, Del. 19898publication Z-1737.

As shown in FIGS. 41, 42 and 43 the bristle bars 4020 may generally haverectangular, curved, or oval foot-prints. The general shape of thebristle bars 4020 is not critical, so long as the bristle bars are ofsufficient dimension to provide the adjacent peripheral tufts supportduring tooth brushing. Considering the simultaneous brushing movement oftoothbrushes from the front to the rear of the mouth and up and down;the bristle bars 4020 are preferably of such a length and such a spacingfrom the peripheral bristle tufts 4018, to provide support to eachadjacent peripheral bristle tuft 4018 when the adjacent peripheralbristle tuft is deflected toward the particular bristle bar 4020 at anyangle up to 20 degrees from the perpendicular therebetween, preferablyup to 30 degrees, more preferably up to 40 degrees and most preferablyup to 50 degrees or more.

The width of the bristle bars 4020, shown as dimension “a” in FIG. 40,is preferably at least about “1.0 mm, more preferably at least about 1.5mm. Further, the narrowest transverse space between each peripheral tuft4018 and the supporting bristle bar 4020 therefore, are preferably notgreater than about 1.5 mm, more preferably not greater than 1.0 mm andmost preferably not greater than about 0.7 mm.

Referring again to FIGS. 40 and 41, it can be seen that in each figure atransverse opening is provided between the bristle tufts 4018 andextending through the bristle bars 4020, toward the center of the head4012; this opening being located middle way up the head 4012. Thisopening may be provided to enhance the user's ability to clean thetoothbrush of toothpaste and debris accumulated during brushing, byproviding a clear channel for rinse water to the interior” of the head4012. Alternatively, additional openings can be provided as isillustrated in FIG. 42, to further enhance the ease of cleaning.

Another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 43,has a head 4012 having extending from its face 4016 the same peripheraltufts 4018 and adjacent bristle bars 4020 internal thereto as theafore-described embodiment; however, in addition to these sets ofbristle tufts 4018 and bars 4020, there is a set of additional bristlebars 4522 located central to the head (“central bristle bars”). Thesecentral bristle bars, illustrated as wedges in FIG. 43, provide not onlyadditional bristle area for cleaning, but also, enhanced support for thenow intermediate within the head located bristle bars 4020, to enhancethe overall stiffness and cleaning ability of the toothbrush 4010. Thesecentral bristle bars 4522 play have cross-sections other than wedges,such as ovals, egg shapes, or rectangular.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 44 issimilar to the embodiment disclosed above for FIGS. 40 and 41, exceptthe central bristle bars 4322 can be replaced by a plurality of centralbristle tufts 4424, 4122 similar to the individual, peripheral bristletufts 4018. The height of any such central bristle tufts 4024 above thebrush face 4016 can be equal to or less than that of the nowintermediate within the head located bristle bars 4020.

FIGS. 45 and 52 show additional embodiments of the invention that arediscussed in terms of a toothbrush. For example, toothbrush 4500 isshown as one embodiment in FIG. 45, and toothbrush 5000 as analternative embodiment in FIG. 52. Nevertheless, the invention could beused in other oral care implements including simply a tissue cleansingimplement. They also could be as powered brushes.

As seen in FIGS. 45-51, an oral care implement in the form of atoothbrush 4500 includes a handle 4503 and a head 4505 which may be usedfor cleaning the teeth and soft tissue in the mouth, such as the tongue,interior surfaces of the cheeks, lips or the gums. Handle 4503 isprovided for the user to readily grip and manipulate the toothbrush, andmay be formed of many different shapes and constructions. While the headis normally widened relative to the neck of the handle, it could in someconstructions simply be a continuous extension or narrowing of thehandle. In one construction, head 4505 has a first face 4506 thatsupports tooth cleaning elements 4507 (FIGS. 49 and 51) and a secondface 4508 that supports a tissue cleanser 4800 (FIGS. 46 and 47). Thefirst and second faces 4506, 4508 are preferably on opposite sides ofhead 4505. Nevertheless, tissue cleanser 4800 may be mounted elsewhere,such as at the proximal end 4504 of handle 4503. The tissue cleanser4800 or portions of it may also be located on the peripheral sidewallsurface 4501 of head 4505 or extend farther towards the proximate end4504 of handle 4503 than illustrated.

The elastomeric material of tissue cleanser 4800 may be anybiocompatible resilient material suitable for uses in an oral hygieneapparatus. To provide optimum comfort as well as cleaning benefits, theelastomeric material preferably has a hardness property in the range ofA8 to A35 Shore hardness. As an example, one preferred elastomericmaterial is styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS)manufactured by GLS Corporation. Nevertheless, SEBS material from othermanufacturers or other materials within and outside the noted hardnessrange could be used.

Tissue cleanser 4800 is preferably configured with a multiplicity oftissue engaging elements 4803 (FIGS. 45-48), which in a preferredconstruction are formed as nubs. Alternative nub constructions 5002, asdiscussed below, are also illustrated in alternative constructions inFIGS. 52-56. As used herein a “nub” is generally meant to include acolumn-like protrusion (without limitation to the cross-sectional shapeof the protrusion) which is upstanding from a base surface. In a generalsense, the nub, in a preferred construction, has a height that isgreater than the width at the base of the nub (as measured in thelongest direction). Nevertheless, nubs could include projections whereinthe widths and heights are roughly the same or wherein the heights aresomewhat smaller than the base widths. Moreover, in some circumstances(e.g., where the nub tapers to a tip or includes a base portion thatnarrows to a smaller projection), the base width can be substantiallylarger than the height.

Such tissue engaging elements 4803 are designed to significantly reducea major source of bad breath in people and improve hygiene. Nubs 4803enable removal of microflora and other debris from the tongue and othersoft tissue surfaces within the mouth. The tongue, in particular, isprone to develop bacterial coatings that are known to harbor organismsand debris that can contribute to bad breath. This microflora can befound in the recesses between the papillae on most of the tongue's uppersurface as well as along other soft tissue surfaces in the mouth. Whenengaged or otherwise pulled against a tongue surface, for example, nubs4803 of elastomeric tissue cleanser 4800 provide for gentle engagementwith the soft tissue while reaching downward into the recesses ofadjacent papillae of the tongue. The elastomeric construction of tissuecleanser 4800 also enables the base surface 4801 to follow the naturalcontours of the oral tissue surfaces, such as the tongue, cheeks, lips,and gums of a user. Moreover, the soft nubs 4803 are able to flex asneeded to traverse and clean the soft tissue surfaces in the mouth alongwhich it is moved.

As seen in FIGS. 46 and 48, in one preferred arrangement of tissuecleanser 4800, nubs 4803 are preferably conically shaped. As usedherein, “conically shaped” or “conical” is meant to include true cones,frusto-conically shaped elements, and other shapes that taper to anarrow end and thereby resemble a cone irrespective of whether they areuniform, continuous in their taper, or have rounded cross-sections. Withreference to FIG. 48, the base portion 4805 of each conically shapedtissue engaging element 4803 is larger than the corresponding tipportion 4807. In this conically shaped configuration, the base portion4805 has a wider cross-sectional area to provide effective shearstrength to withstand the lateral movement of the tissue cleanser 4800along the surface of the tongue or other soft tissue surface. Thesmaller width or diameter of the tip portion 4807 in conjunction withthe length of the conically shaped nub 4803 enable the nubs to sweepinto the recesses of the tongue and other surfaces to clean themicrobial deposits and other debris from the soft tissue surfaces. Inthe preferred construction, nubs 4803 are able to flex and bend fromtheir respective vertical axes as lateral pressure is applied duringuse. This flexing enhances the comfort and cleaning of the soft tissuesurfaces. In a preferred construction, the thickness or width of thebase of the nub in 0.64 mm, and preferably within the range from about0.51 mm to about 2.00 mm. Tip 4807 of the nubs is 0.127 mm andpreferably within a range from about 0.10 mm to about 0.75 mm foroptimal penetration between the recesses of papillae of a user's tongue.The length or height of nubs 4803, as measured from base surface 4801 totip 4807, is preferably 0.91 mm and preferably within range from about0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, and most preferably range between 0.75 mm to 1.5mm. Nevertheless, nubs of other sizes and shapes outside the givenranges can be used.

Alternatively, the tissue cleaning elements 4803 may have other shapes.As one example, the tissue cleanser may have a grated form such asdescribed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/601,106,incorporated herein by reference.

In a preferred construction, nubs 4803 are disposed on the base surface4801 of tissue cleanser 4800 in a high density pattern. Each nub 4803 ispreferably spaced apart from adjacent nubs 4803 between a range of about0.5 mm to about 3 mm; more preferably the spacing ranges between 0.7 mmto 2.5 mm, and most preferably between 1 mm to 2 mm. Nevertheless, otherspacing ranges are possible. The surface density of the nubs 4803 onbase surface 4801 ranges preferably from about 100 to about 600 nubs persquare inch. In a more preferred construction of the tissue cleanser,the surface density may range from 200 to 500 nubs per square inch, andmost preferably between 300 to 450 nubs per square inch. In onepreferred example, tissue cleanser 300 includes about 400 nubs persquare inch of surface area. The surface density features in conjunctionwith the height of the nubs 4803 enables the tissue cleanser to provideenhanced cleaning of the soft tissue surfaces with improved comfort.Nonetheless, other surface densities are possible.

As seen in FIG. 47, nubs 4803 are preferably disposed in longitudinalrows in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis a-a.Further, nubs 4803 are disposed in transverse rows R1, R2 on an axisparallel to base surface 4801 and generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis a-a. In one preferred construction, adjacent nubs 4803are provided on the base surface 4801 in a staggered arrangement. Forexample, adjacent transverse rows of nubs R1 and R2 have nubs 4803 thatare not directly behind each other. A first nub is said herein to be“directly behind” second nub when it is located within the lateralbounds of the second nub extending in a longitudinal direction. Thisconfiguration enables improved cleaning of the soft tissue surfaces byfacilitating the removal of microflora and other debris, and especiallyfrom the recesses of adjacent papillae of the tongue. Nonetheless, thenubs could be arranged randomly or in a myriad of different patterns.

Tongue cleanser 4800 is preferably formed by being molded to head 4505,although other manufacturing processes could be used. With reference toFIGS. 45 and 47, tissue cleanser 4800 is preferably molded within abasin or a receiving cavity 4511 in face 4508 of head 4505. Thereceiving cavity 4511 has a lower base surface 4513 and a peripheralsidewall 4515 extending away from the lower base surface 4513. In onemounting arrangement, nubs 4803 of the tissue cleanser 4800 are exposedfor use with the base surface of the tissue cleanser 4800 being flush orrecessed relative to the surface 4514 of the head. Nevertheless, otherorientations are possible. Also, base surface 4801 of the tissuecleanser could be embedded in head 4505 or covered by another layer withnubs 4803 projecting through appropriate openings.

As can be seen in FIGS. 45 and 47, face 4508 also preferably includesone or more peg members 4517 a-c disposed within basin 4511. Peg members4517 form anchor points against the opposing mold to prevent the headfrom moving under the pressure of the injection molding. As a result,tissue cleanser 4800 preferably includes one or more complementaryapertures 4811 a-c which exposes the tops of peg members 4517 a-c.Although, the pegs are illustrated in alignment along the centerline ofthe head (e.g., longitudinal axis a-a), the pegs could have manydifferent positions. Further, the pegs and basin are preferably bothincluded with head 4505, but either could be used without the other.

Alternatively, basin 4511 and peg members 4517 a-c may be provided toposition and hold a previously molded tissue cleanser, although theseconstructions are not necessary to use such a previously molded tissuecleanser.

Peg members 4517 a-c may take on a variety of shapes and lengths. Withcontinued reference to the FIGS. 45 and 47, head 4505 includes pegmembers 4517 a-c extending away from the lower base surface 4513 ofbasin 4511 to the height of the peripheral sidewall 4515. The pegmembers 4517 a-c are shaped in the form of a cylinder, but other shapesand lengths of the peg members 4517 a-c are possible. While the moldingprocess would preferably bond the tissue cleanser to the head, thetissue cleanser could be performed and attached by adhesive or otherknown means.

As shown in FIGS. 45-47, tissue cleanser 4800 is preferably formed as apad composed of a soft and pliable elastomeric material for comfortablecleaning and effective removal of bacteria and debris disposed on thesurface of the tongue, other soft tissue in the mouth and even along thelips. The tissue cleanser 4800 also provides effective massaging,stimulation and removal of bacteria, debris and epithelial cells fromthe surfaces of the tongue, cheeks, gums or lips.

In the construction of FIGS. 45-51, tissue cleansers 4800 may rubagainst the inside surfaces of the cheeks or lips, and on the sides ofthe tongue while the user brushes his or her teeth, and thus provide adesired massaging, stimulation and cleaning of various soft tissuesurfaces within the mouth. For example, during brushing of the facialtooth surfaces, tissue cleanser 4800 is disposed on the outer face 4508of head 4505 to naturally rub against the oral surfaces of the cheek. Asa result, enhanced cleaning is attained without additional cleaningsteps. Further, some users may sense a stimulating tingle on the cheeksurfaces that leads to a positive user reaction, and even enjoyment ofthe comfortable feel of the tissue cleanser along the soft tissuessurfaces in the mouth. Tissue cleanser 4800 may also be additionallyrubbed on the cheeks, tongue, etc., as desired for further cleaningaside from the contact that may occur while brushing the teeth.

Referring to FIGS. 49 and 50, the tooth cleaning elements 4507 of head4505 may include a variety of tooth cleaning elements which can be usedfor wiping, cleaning and massaging the user's teeth and gums. Anysuitable form of tooth cleaning elements may be used. The term “toothcleaning elements” is used in a generic sense which refers to filamentbristles or elastomeric fingers or walls that have any desirable shape.In the illustrated example of FIG. 49, tooth cleaning elements 4507include distal tooth cleaning elements 4603 a-b disposed at a distal tip4521 of head 4505, peripheral tooth cleaning elements 4605 a-l,longitudinal tooth cleaning elements 4607 a-c disposed alonglongitudinal axis a-a, arcuate tooth cleaning elements 4609 a-d and 4611a-b, and proximal cleaning elements 4613 a,b. Tooth cleaning elements4605, 4607, 4611 and 4613 are preferably provided as tufts of bristleswhereas tooth cleaning elements 4609 are preferably formed aselastomeric walls. Nevertheless, other forms and types of tooth cleaningelements may be used.

FIG. 51 illustrates a sectional view of an alternative arrangement of ahead 4900 of a toothbrush. Head 4900 is similar in construction to head4505, except that tooth cleaning elements 4609 a-d are integrally formedwith tissue cleanser 4800. To accomplish the alternative construction,head 4900 has appropriately sized ports or openings 4901 to allow theelastomeric material to flow through the head during an injectionmolding process. In this construction, tooth cleaning elements 4609 a-dand tissue cleaner 4800 are formed with the same elastomeric material.Thus, head 4900 may include at least one elastomeric tooth cleaningelement formed as a unitary member with tissue cleanser 4800.

In FIG. 52, toothbrush 5000 includes a plurality of nubs or otherprojections 5002 protruding from a back side 5004 of head 5006 as acleanser 5008 of soft tissue in the mouth. Teeth cleaning elements 5016preferably extend from a front side 5005 of head 5006. The projections5002 are preferably arranged seriatim along at least one narrow base orpad in the form of a strip 5010 fixed to the head 5006. In theillustrated example, a plurality of generally parallel strips 5010 a,5010 b, 5010 c, 5010 d are fixed in a generally concave shape facingaway from the handle. In this one construction, the strips extend alongback side 5004 of head 5006 and each sidewall 5011, although extensionsalong the sidewalls are not necessary. Any number of strips could beincluded. The strips could define virtually any shape or orientation onthe head. For example, strips 5010 could have any of the shapesdisclosed for the ridges in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/989,267, filed Nov. 17, 2004, entitled “Oral Care Implement”, whichis incorporated herein by reference. In the illustrated construction,strips 5010 are interconnected by an axial stem 5012 which extends intothe handle and forms a part of the grip for the user. Further, thishandle extension or even the stem is of course not necessary.

In one construction, each projection 5002 is generally columnar andformed with a width W of about 1.1 mm and a height H of about 1.7 mm(FIG. 53). The projections are spaced apart from each other along strip5010 a distance of about 1.0 mm. These height, width and spacingdimensions could, however, vary widely. In the illustrated embodiment,projections 5002 each includes a peripheral wall 5013 protruding outwardfrom base 5010, and an inclined distal end surface 5014 at an angle ofabout 50 degrees to side surface 5004 of head 5006. The inclined endsurface 5014 defines a narrow top edge 5016 along a portion ofperipheral wall 5013, which is advantageous for cleansing the tongue andother soft tissue. Although the end surfaces 5014 are shown to beinclined in the same direction, they could be inclined in differentdirections.

In an alternative construction (FIG. 57), head 5006 is additionallyformed with at least one elongate ridge 5025. With this arrangement, theuser is provided with a cleanser that obtains a beneficial dual cleaningeffect by moving the discrete projections 5002 and the ridge 5025 acrossthe tongue or other tissue. In the illustrated example, ridge 5025 is acurved, elongate projection protruding generally outward along the outeredge of the remote end 5027 of the head. Nevertheless, otherarrangements, locations and shapes are possible. Additional ridges couldalso be provided. In one preferred construction, ridge 5025 is molded asone-piece with the head and formed of a relatively hard plastic such aspolypropylene. The ridge, however, could be formed separately from thehead and/or composed of other materials that are compatible for oralcare implements.

In one construction, ridge 5025 is, as noted above, formed of arelatively hard material (e.g., polypropylene), while projections 5002are formed of a relatively soft material (e.g., a thermoplasticelastomer). This use of dual materials enables the benefits of bothmaterials to be gained. The cleanser includes the firm engagement of therelatively hard scraper blade in ridge 5025 and the relatively softdiscrete projections that flex and turn as they dig into the tongue orother tissue.

As seen in FIGS. 57 and 58, ridge 5025 is defined by a pair of oppositesidewalls 5033, 5034 which meet to form a scraper edge 5035. While edge5035 is relatively narrow in this construction, it could besubstantially widened. In one embodiment, sidewalls 5033, 5034 areformed with different slopes relative to side 5004 of head 5006, thoughthey could have the same slope. In one preferred construction, sidewall5033 is formed with a steeper slope than sidewall 5034 to define a moreaggressive scraping action as the head is pulled across the tongue bythe user. The shallower slope of sidewall 5034 facing generally awayfrom the handle, makes the ridge less prone to pushing the tonguebiofilm farther back in the throat as the ridge is pushed back towardthe throat. In a preferred embodiment, sidewall 5033 is oriented at anangle .alpha. of 62 degrees relative to side 5004, whereas sidewall 5034is oriented at an angle .beta. of 43 degrees. Other angles could also beused for both sidewalls.

In another alternative construction (FIG. 54), each projection 5002 a isprovided with an end surface 5014 a having two inclined end faceportions 5015 a, 5017 a and a top edge 5016 a. As with ridge 5025, endface portion 5015 a, generally facing toward the handle, is preferablyinclined at a steeper angle relative to side 5004 a than end faceportion 5017 a, although other arrangements including end face portionshaving the same inclination can be used. As one example, end faceportion 5015 a is oriented at an angle .alpha. of 62 degrees relative toside 5004 a, and end face portion 5017 a is oriented at an angle .beta.of 43 degrees. The steeper angle of end face portion 5015 a provides amore aggressive scraping action as the head is dragged out of the mouth.The shallower angle of end surface 5017 a makes the projection lessprone to pushing the tongue biofilm farther back in the throat.

Of course, other projections can be used. For example, each projectioncould include a non-inclined distal end or an end that tapers to apointed tip. The projections could have a wide variety of shapes beyondthe cylindrical shape shown in FIG. 52. For example, the projectionscould have a conical shape, irregular cross sections, or be inclined tothe back side 5004. Moreover, the projections may also be ridge shapedto extend entirely or partially along the length of strip 5010.

In a preferred construction, projections 5002 and strip 5010 are formedas a one piece member molded or otherwise secured to head 5006. Theprojections and strip are preferably formed as a one-piece member of aresilient thermoplastic elastomer such asstyrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) manufactured byGLS Corporation, but could be composed of other resilient materials,hard materials, or a combination of materials such as disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/011,605, filed Dec. 15, 2004, entitledOral Care Implement, incorporated herein by reference. The projectionsand strips could also be formed of the same substance as head 5006(e.g., polypropylene), but have a different color or the like to defineit a different material from the head and thereby create at least avisually appealing brush.

In one construction, strips 5010 are molded to overlie a generallyplanar surface 5004 of head 5006 (FIG. 53). Nevertheless, channels 5007could be formed in side 5004 to receive strips 5010 therein so that side5004 and the outer surfaces 5012 of strips 5010 having projections 5002are generally co-planar (FIG. 55). Additionally, the strips of resilientmaterial could be formed as an integral part of the head construction(FIG. 56). More specifically, in this alternative construction, the headincludes a plurality of first members 5020 joined together by aresilient second member 5022 that acts as a living hinge to permit thefirst members to move relative to each other during use of thetoothbrush. The second member also forms the base 5010 c of soft tissuecleanser 5006 provided with projections 5002. Additionally, as discussedin regard to toothbrush 4900, projections 5002 or 5002 a can beintegrally formed as a one-piece member with elastomeric tooth cleaningelements extending in an opposite directions from the head.

The following examples are set forth as representative of the improvedoperation of the present invention. These examples are not to beconstrued as limiting the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

The performance nature of a toothbrush can be measured using known oralmalodor assessment methods. A study was conducted to evaluate theperformance of a toothbrush provided with an elastomeric tissue cleanserhaving conically shaped nubs, such as the preferred construction oftoothbrush 4500 discussed above. Human test subjects participated in thestudy. There was a washout or normalization period prior to testing ofabout 7 days in which the test subjects brushed twice a day with afluoride dental cream (see Table 1). After the washout period, the testsubjects were asked to refrain from any oral hygiene (brushing, rinsing,and flossing), eating and drinking prior to oral testing. A baselinevolatile sulfur compound (VSC) sample was taken from each of the testsubjects. In the study for overnight odor control, the test subjectsbrushed their teeth for one minute with a fluoride dental cream (seeTable 1) using toothbrush 4500 provided with the above noted tissuecleanser 4800. Subsequently, the subjects cleaned their tongue surfacewith the tissue engaging elements of the toothbrush for ten seconds. Thetest subjects slept overnight and returned for post treatment. VSCsamples were taken at the ten-hour time point from the previous daycleaning In the illustrative example, use of the toothbrush reduced oralVSC about 60% versus brushing the teeth alone as measured from abaseline ten hours after use. The VSC readings were obtained by gaschromatography.

EXAMPLE 2

In another study of the above-noted toothbrush 4500, there was a washoutor normalization period prior to testing of about 7 days which the testsubjects brushed twice a day with a fluoride dental cream (see Table 1).The test subjects were asked to refrain from any oral hygiene (brushing,rinsing, and flossing), eating and drinking before testing. After thewashout period, the test subjects provided a baseline tongue bacteriasample by swabbing a side of the back of the tongue with a sterilecotton swab. The test subjects brushed their teeth with a fluoridedental cream (see Table 1) for one minute with the toothbrush having theabove-noted tissue cleanser. Subsequently, the test subjects cleanedtheir tongue surface with a preferred construction of the tissueengaging elements 4800 of the toothbrush 4500 for ten seconds. Two hoursafter the cleaning of the tongue surface, a tongue bacteria sample wastaken from a side of the back of the tongue with a cotton swab. In theillustrative example, use of the tissue engaging elements controlledmore odor causing tongue bacteria than simply brushing the teeth alone.Use of the tissue cleanser 4800 demonstrated a tongue bacteria logreduction of over 0.8 Log colony forming units/ml two hours after use onthe tongue.

EXAMPLE 3

In another study of the above-noted toothbrush, a MTT assay was used toexamine the viability of the epithelial cells collected from the oralcavity prior to and after the use of the toothbrush with the notedtissue cleanser. The MTT Assay was based on the enzymatic reduction ofthe tetrazolium salt MTT[3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazoliumbromide+++] inliving, metabolically active cells. The reaction was carried out in situin test tubes, and the reaction product, a purple-colored formazansoluble in dimethylsulfoxide, was measured colormetrically using amultiwell plate reader. Advantageously, the MTT Assay offers a highdegree of precision, ease of use, and suitability for the purpose forlarge scale chemosensitivity testing.

Following a 7-day washout period, the test subjects reported to a testsite without prior eating, drinking, or performing oral hygiene. Thetest subjects provided salivary rinse samples by rinsing their oralcavity with 9 ml of sterile water for 10 seconds and then dischargingthe water from the rinse into a tube containing 10.times. sterilephosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution. The samples were refrigeratedfor approximately 30 minutes before the MTT Assay was run. The testsubjects brushed their teeth under supervision for one minute using afluoride dental cream (see Table 1) followed by 10 seconds of tonguecleaning with the tongue cleanser 4800 of the preferred construction.Approximately 30 minutes after brushing and tongue cleaning, the testsubjects provided a rinse sample in the manner described previously.

The pre-rinse samples and post-rinse samples were centrifuged for 15minutes at about 3000 RPM. The supernatant, e.g., clear liquid, wasremoved and the pellet was resuspended in 2.5 mL of PBS. The sampleswere vortexed for 5 seconds, then 2.5 ml of MTT Solution was added. Thesamples were subsequently incubated in a gently shaking waterbath set at37.degree. C. for 2 hours. Following the 2 hour incubation period, thesamples were centrifuged for 15 minutes at about 3000 RPM. Thesupernatant was siphoned out and 3 mL of detergent (0.04 N AcidIsopropanol) was added to dissolve purple crystals. An increase ordecrease in MTT conversion was spectrophotometrically quantified. Fromeach sample, 200 mu.l of each was added to 96 well plates and theoptical density was measured at 570 nm and compared to a negative buffercontrol. In the illustrative example, one minute of brushing followed by10 seconds of use of the tissue cleanser reduced oral epithelial cellsabout 72% as determined by a MTT assay protocol.

EXAMPLE 4

In another study, human test subjects provided baseline VSC samples viaa Halimeter™ (i.e., a sulfide meter). A Halimeter™ uses anelectrochemical, voltammetric sensor which generates a signal when it isexposed to VSC such as, sulfide and mercaptan gases and measures theconcentration of hydrogen sulfide gas in parts per billion. The testsubjects brushed their teeth under supervision for one minute with thepreferred construction of a toothbrush having the above noted tissuecleanser. Then, the test subjects used the noted toothbrush to providesix strokes on the tongue surface. A subsequent VSC sample was takenfrom the test subjects two hours after the brushing stage. In thisillustrative example, use of a toothbrush with the tissue cleanserreduced the measured VSC in the mouth odor over 35% from a baselinemeasured two hours after use.

EXAMPLE 5

In one other study, after a washout period, human test subjects rinsedtheir mouths with sterile water to provide a baseline sample for viableepithelial cell analysis with the MTT assay. The subjects brushed theirteeth under supervision for one minute with the preferred constructionof the toothbrush having the above-noted tissue cleanser. Then, the testsubjects used the tissue cleanser to provide six strokes on the tonguesurface. The test subjects provided a post rinse sample for analysis.The samples were tested and analyzed in the manner as discussed withrespect to Example 3. In this example, use of the toothbrush reducedoral epithelial cells by about 92% from a baseline as determined by MTTassay protocol.

In the above noted examples, the subjects brushed their teeth using afluoride dental cream with the formulation in Table 1. TABLE-US-00001TABLE 1% wt. Ingredient 48.76% Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate 22.0063%Water 22.00% Glycerin 4.138% SO3 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate base-29% 1.000%Sodium CMC-7MF-Food Grade 0.89% 105 Dental Cream Flavor 0.76% SodiumMonofluorophosphate 0.25% Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate 0.20% SodiumSaccharin

An oral care implement in accordance with the present invention isfurther illustrated in the form of a toothbrush 6010 including a head6012 and a handle 6014. Although discussed in terms of a toothbrush, itis understood that the device could be in the form of other oral careimplements including simply a tissue cleansing implement.

An oral care implement in accordance with the present invention isillustrated in the form of a toothbrush 6010 including a head 6012 and ahandle 6014. While FIG. 59 only illustrates the connection of the handleto the head, the handle is preferably an elongate member to be graspedby the user. The handle 6014 could have any known shape adapted for themanipulation needed to clean the teeth and/or tongue of a user.

The head 6012 with a pair of opposite sides 6016, 6017 is shown with agenerally oblong shape, although other known shapes could be used. Aplurality of teeth cleaning elements 6020 extend from one side 6016 ofthe head 6012. The teeth cleaning elements could be bristles and/orelastomeric members of various shapes and sizes. Any form or combinationof elements 6020 suitable for cleaning a user's teeth could be used.

The other side 6017 of head 6012 includes at least one ridge andpreferably a plurality of elongate ridges 6022 to cleanse the tongue andother soft tissue of the mouth (e.g., the inner surfaces of the cheeks).While the ridges are preferably formed on a head also provided withteeth cleaning elements, they could also be formed on other implementsor other parts of the toothbrush. A head of the implement is simplymeant to be the operative portion of the implement that is inserted intothe mouth for cleaning of the tongue, and does not refer to a particularshape or structure of the head.

In one construction of the invention, each ridge 6022 projectsorthogonally from a back surface 6017 a of the head and has a generallysquare-like cross-sectional configuration (FIG. 60). The ridge includesa distal end 6029 remote from surface 6017 a that forms a contact region6029 a adapted to contact and clean the tongue or other soft tissue inthe mouth. In this embodiment, the contact region 6029 a is definedbetween and includes protruding corners or edges 6025, 6027. As can beappreciated, the contact region 6029 a has a width W extendingtransverse to the extension of the ridge across surface 6017 a. Thewidth W of ridge 6022 is at least as large as the height H of the ridge(i.e., the distance the ridge extends from surface 6017 a). With thiswidth to height relationship, the risk of the ridge cutting or injuringthe soft tissue of the tongue or other parts of the mouth is reduced. Anarrow ridge that extends outward from head 6012 a distance greater thanits width has an increased risk of cutting or otherwise injuring theuser as compared to a similarly narrow ridge (i.e., one with the samewidth) that extends from the head a distance less than the width of theridge; such a ridge will not tend to cut or hurt the user. The tongueand other soft tissue in the mouth will give and bend some distancearound the ridge so long as the ridge is not too tall for the width ofthe ridge engaging the tissue. In one exemplary embodiment, ridges 6022have a width W that is preferably about 0.8 mm and a height H about 0.6mm. Nevertheless, a wide range of relative sizes are possible.

Additionally, ridge 6022 also includes a base 6028 where the ridge isfixed to surface 6017 a. In a preferred construction, base 6028 definesa width W1 that is at least as large as the height H of the ridge. Inthis way, the ridges do not experience undue bending as they are draggedover the tongue. Rather, ridges 6022 are stably supported so that theytend to remain generally in a protruding orientation. As a result, edges6025, 6027 are stably supported to dig into recesses in the tongue toeffectively remove bacteria and debris.

Alternatively, the ridges could have other shapes. For example, FIG. 61illustrates ridges 6022′ that are substantially wider than they aretall, i.e., base 6028′ and contact region 6029 a′ each has a width W2that is substantially greater than the height H2 of the ridge. In oneexample, the width is about twice the distance of the height. Theincreased width to height ratio of ridge 6022′ provides for a stiffer,smaller ridge to effectively cleanse the tongue. Such ridges arebeneficial in that they reduce the size of the head, which is preferredby some users. A shorter, wider ridge also further reduces the prospectof users injuring themselves. Moreover, such ridges can be made ofsofter materials without losing the desired stability.

In another example (FIG. 61 a) ridge 6022″ has a rounded distal end.Accordingly, the contact region 6029 a″ has an arcuate, convex surfaceto engage the tongue or other soft tissue. In this example, the contactregion 6029 a″ (i.e., the surface adapted to engage the tongue) has awidth W3 that is at least as large as the height H3 of the ridge. Inthis embodiment, the base 6028″ of ridge 6022″ also has a width W4 thatis at least as large as height H to present a stable ridge. Of course,numerous variations may be formed in the shape of the ridge whilemaintaining the benefits of the invention.

In addition the ridges may be formed to gain only some of the benefitsof the invention. For instance, ridge 6022″′ can be formed to taper to anarrowed distal end 6029″′ (FIG. 61 b). In this instance, contact region6029 a″′ has a width W5 that is less than the height H5. However, thebase 6028″′ of ridge 6022″′ has a width W6 that is at least as large asthe height to form a stable ridge construction.

Although the illustrated ridges have all been shown to extend generallyperpendicular from surface 6017 a, as shown in FIG. 60, they could beinclined relative to surface 6017 a. A perpendicular extension ispreferred to provide effective cleaning regardless of whether the tonguecleaner is pushed or pulled over the tongue. The sides 6024, 6026 couldalso be inclined, curved, angular, irregular or otherwise shaped.Additionally, the ridges could project from a non-planar surface. As oneexample, surface 6017 a and ridges 6022 could have an undulatingconfiguration.

Regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the ridge, each ridge 6022 ispreferably curved to define a concave side 6024 facing toward handle6014 and a convex side 6026 facing in the opposite direction. Althoughridges that are continuously curved are preferred (FIG. 59 a), suchconcave-shaped ridges could be defined by non-continuous ridges (FIG. 59b) or angular ridges (FIG. 59 c). Further, in one preferredconstruction, ridges 6022 are progressively less curved as they areformed farther from handle 6014. In one illustrated construction (FIGS.59 and 59 a), the ridges are generally concentric to each other curvinggenerally about a common point near the connection of handle 6014 tohead 6012.

In use, the user grips the handle and typically pulls the tonguecleanser repeatedly over the tongue from back to front so that theconcave sides 6024 are scraped against the tongue to effectively gatherand remove bacteria and debris on the tongue. Alternatively, the usermay also commonly move the tongue cleanser forward and backward over thetongue. In either event, the different curvatures of the ridges enablealigned segments of the ridges (i.e., along lines generally parallel tolongitudinal axis 6030) to engage the tongue surface at different anglesfor effective cleaning of the tongue. Nevertheless, the tongue cleansingridges can be moved over the tongue in a number of ways to clean thetongue.

Further, other ridge constructions could be used. For example, the oralcare implement could include ridges 6022 a that are reversed so that theconcave sides face away from the handle (e.g., FIG. 62), ridges 6022 b,6022 g, 6022 i, 6022 j, 6022 s with different curved shapes (e.g., FIGS.63, 68-70, and 78), ridges 6022 c, 6022 d, 6022 k and 6022 r that arelinear (e.g., FIGS. 64, 65, 71 and 77), ridges 6022 e, 6022 l, 6022 m,6022 n and 6022 o that include a mixture of curved and linear ridges(e.g., FIGS. 66 and 72-75), or one continuous ridge member 6022 f, 6022g forming successive ridges 6022 f, 6022 g′, (e.g., FIGS. 67 and 68).The ridges could be non-concentric or curved at all the same radius ofcurvature. While the ridges preferably extend substantially across theentire side 6017 of head 6012, they could extend only part way acrossthe head. For example, ridges 6022 p, 6022 r, 6022 t, 6022 v could beprovided only along the sides of surface 6017 a (FIGS. 76-77 and 79-80).Ridges along the sides of head 6012 could also be used with centralridges; i.e., side ridges 6022 p, 6022 t, 6022 v could be used with acentral ridge(s) such as an oval or partially oval ridge 6022 q, 6022 u,6022 w (FIGS. 76, 79 and 80), any of the ridge patterns illustrated inFIGS. 59 a-c and 62-75, or another ridge pattern. Any of the ridgescould also be used with various projections, e.g., conical projections6031 (see, e.g., FIGS. 74 and 76-80). Regardless of whether the ridge6022 forms a continuous segment across the head (e.g., FIG. 59 a) or isdefined by aligned ridge sections 6022 h separated by gaps 6023 (e.g.,FIG. 59 b), they are in this application each considered a ridge. Also,regardless of whether successive ridges 6022 are separated (e.g., FIG.59 a) or interconnected to define a single ridge member 6022 f (e.g.,FIG. 67), the successive sections extending laterally across the handare each considered to be a ridge. Concepts of this invention can beused in connection with ridges having virtually any shape or orientationalong surface 6017 a.

As shown in FIGS. 59 and 60, head 6012, handle 6014 and ridges 6022 canbe molded together as a one-piece member of the same material, forexample, polypropylene. Nonetheless, other arrangements are possible.For example, head 6012 could be detachable from handle 6014. Further,ridges 6022 could be separately molded, glued or otherwise attached toside 6017 of head 6012. The ridges as well as the head and the handlecould each be made from a material different from the other parts. Softmaterials, such as TPE or the like, can be fixed to head 6012 to formthe ridges (see, e.g., FIGS. 76-80). The ridges could be made ofvirtually any known material used to make oral care implements.

FIGS. 81-89 illustrate an oral care implement in the form of atoothbrush 8100 having an improved handle 8103 and a head 8105 withbristles or other tooth engaging elements extending from surface 8107.While reference is made to a toothbrush with an improved handle, otheroral care implements, such as inter-proximal picks, flossing tools,plaque scrapers, tongue and soft tissue cleansers/massagers and thelike, may use the same handle.

Handle 8103 is provided for the user to reliably grip and manipulate thetoothbrush. Handle 8103 includes ergonomic features which provide a highdegree of control for the user while maintaining comfort. In a preferredconstruction (FIGS. 81-89), handle 8103 includes a base 8300, a gripbody 8403, and a gripping member 8407. These components cooperativelyform a grip portion 8400 by which the user holds and manipulates thetoothbrush. For optimum comfort and control, grip portion 8400 includesthree segments 8111, 8113, 8115. A rear segment 8115 forms a portionthat generally fits comfortably within the palm of the user. A frontsegment 8111 forms a portion that generally fits comfortably between theuser's thumb and index finger. A narrow transition segment 8113 connectsthe front and rear segments 8111, 8115.

In a preferred construction, front segment 8111 is inclined relative torear segment 8115 to define an inclined portion positioned forcomfortable gripping and to facilitate a desired offset positioning ofthe head relative to the palm gripping region 8115. The angle .theta. ofthe incline is preferably 23 degrees, but may range approximatelybetween 5-40 degrees. This feature allows improved control of the handleduring brushing in which the head 8105 can be more desirably positionedwithin the mouth to engage the tooth cleaning elements 8200 against theteeth.

In the preferred embodiment, front and rear segments 8111, 8115 arewidened sections that are joined by a narrowed portion 8113 to form anundulating structure which is more reliably and comfortably held withinthe user's hand. Further, this wide construction of the palm and fingergripping regions 8111, 8115 requires less fine motor control by the userand is, hence, easier to hold and manipulate. In addition, front segment8111 transitions into neck 8116 which, in turn, supports head 8105. In apreferred embodiment, base 8300 includes a gripping region 8301 thatcorresponds to grip portion 8400, the neck 8116, and the head 8105 todefine an oral engaging region.

Under a normal use position, grip portion 8400 is grasped by a user withthe fingers engaging the handle 8103 so that the thumb is on one sideand the index finger and other fingers are positioned on the oppositeside. Front segment 8111 of grip portion 8400 includes grip body 8403having opposing sides 8405, 8404 preferably for engaging the thumb andindex finger of a user. Grip portion 8400 further includes a rearsegment 8115 which enables reliable gripping of the toothbrush 8100 withthe third through the fifth fingers of the user's hand in a normal useposition. While a normal use position is discussed, the features of thetoothbrush could be employed by a user having less fingers or a userwhich holds the toothbrush in other ways.

In one preferred construction, front section 8111 includes a soft,resilient grip body 8403 fixed within aperture 8303 of base 8300. Asshown in FIGS. 88 and 89, front section 8111 has the widest transversedimension of any other part of handle 8103. As shown in FIGS. 81 and 84,aperture 8303 occupies more than one-half of the transverse dimensionacross front section 8111 of handle 8103. Nevertheless, otherconstructions are possible. As an example only, grip body 8403 mayoccupy a smaller portion of the transverse dimension, such as one-thirdof the transverse dimension of front section 8111. Nevertheless, thewidth and length of aperture 8303 may be adjusted as desired and otherparts of handle 8103 may be as wide as or wider than front segment 8111.

Referring to FIGS. 86-87, in one construction, aperture 8303 extendsthrough base 8300 to mount grip body 8403. Aperture 8303 includes asidewall geometry 8305 for the retaining and dynamic positioning of theresilient grip body 8403 during use of the toothbrush. While grip body8403 is preferably molded into aperture 8303, it could be premolded andmounted into aperture 8303. In a preferred construction, grip member8403 is a soft, resilient element formed of a thermoplastic elastomer(TPE) which fills the aperture 8303. To provide optimum comfort as wellas control benefits, the elastomeric material preferably has a hardnessdurometer measurement ranging between A11 to A15 Shore hardness.Nevertheless, the hardness of the elastomer could also range between A8to A24 Shore hardness. Other materials outside this hardness range couldalso be used. As an example, one preferred elastomeric material isstyrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) manufactured by GLSCorporation. Nevertheless, other manufacturers can supply the SEBSmaterial and other materials could be used.

Referring to FIGS. 81-85, resilient grip body 8403 preferably has agenerally bulbous shape that bulges out of aperture 8303 and whichresembles an oval or elliptical shape. The bulbous shape of theresilient grip body 8403 enables the user to reliably roll and controlthe handle 8103 between the thumb and index fingers during use. Gripbody 8403 could also be non-bulging or have any number of shapes, suchas circular, a true oval shape and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 86-87, aperture 8303 preferably includes a peripheralshoulder or rim 8304 for supporting grip body 8403. Sidewall 8305 ofaperture 8303 extends between opposing outer surfaces of base 8300 andincludes inclined surfaces 8309, 8310 inside of the periphery 8306 ofaperture 8303. The inclined surfaces 8309, 8310 extend from the outersurfaces towards a rounded edge surface 8311 which is the narrowest partof the aperture 8303. This construction, in conjunction with the soft,resilient nature of grip member 8403, provides a weight shifting featurewhich improves control of the handle 8103 during use.

Resilient grip body 8403 further helps attenuate the brushing forceapplied to the oral surfaces to prevent gum recession, loss of toothenamel or to provide for a more comfortable brushing experience. Whenthe toothbrush is used against the oral surfaces, such as the teeth,reaction forces are transferred to the resilient grip body 8403. Theelastomeric material dampens the forces against the head 8105 whichreduces the brush pressure applied to the teeth and soft tissuesurfaces, such as the gums. In a preferred construction, elastomericmaterial of the resilient grip body 8403 is enabled to flow and shiftwithin aperture 8303. Net pressure applied by the user's fingers istransferred to grip body 8403 so that the inclined surface 8309, 8310enables the elastomeric material to flow to the narrowest portion of theaperture. Hence, some of the elastomeric material squeezes past roundededge surface 8311 to the other side of the aperture while underpressure. The shifting of the material to the other side of the aperturecauses a slight shift in the mass centroid of the resilient member 8403to counter balance the brushing forces. Thus, grip body 8403 balanceshandle 8103 enabling it to “float” in the hand of the user and reducethe brushing forces applied by the head 8105.

In one preferred construction, grip body 8403 has a multiplicity offinger grip protrusions 8411 (FIGS. 81-85). Finger grip protrusions 8411provide a tactile feature to increase the friction on the user's fingersurfaces and thus enhance the user's ability to grip the handle,particularly under wet conditions. Finger grip protrusions 8411 arepreferably provided in a desired conical or frusto-conical shape forimproved grip performance. Of course, other roughened surfaces could beused.

Referring to FIGS. 86 and 87, rear segment 8115 is preferably formed bybase 8300 and gripping member 8407. In one preferred embodiment, base8300 defines a relatively rigid support structure which is at leastpartially overlain by an elastomeric gripping member 407. While grippingmember 8407 is shown as a single unitary member or layer, it could beformed by separate independent parts or sections.

Base 8300 along rear segment 8115 includes at least one projection, andpreferably a plurality of spaced projections. While the projectionscould have virtually any shape, they are preferably in the form ofspaced, elongate, transverse projections or ribs 8315. In the preferredembodiment, ribs 8315 are generally parallel with respect to each otherand generally symmetrical in relation to the longitudinal axis a-a ofrear segment 8115. The projections 8315 are preferably linear and spanlaterally between the longitudinal sides 8313, 8314 of handle 8103,although they may have different transverse lengths. The transverselength of each projection 8315 generally matches the width at thelongitudinal location along the handle 8103; although the ribs arepreferably slightly short of the actual width of handle segment 8115 atany one location so as to be covered on the sides by gripping member8407. Since ribs 8315 span the width of segment 8115, they each havevarying lengths due to the variations in the width of handle segment8115. While nine projections are shown, the inventive aspects may beobtained by other numbers of projections.

In a preferred arrangement, a receiving region 8317 is defined betweeneach of the adjacent transverse projections 8315. The receiving regions8317 are configured to retain and hold a layer of suitable grippingmember 8407, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or other similarmaterials used in oral care products. In a preferable construction,receiving regions 8317 have a transverse arcuate base surface 8319 witha transverse groove or depression 8321. The arcuate base surface 8319extends between the longitudinal sides of base 8300. When a grippingmember 8407 is applied to the base, grooves 8321 create concaved regions8413 in grip surface 8410 to improve the tactile performance of thetoothbrush handle (see FIG. 84). While horizontal or straightprojections 8315 are illustrated, the projections 8315, alternatively,may be any number of shapes or orientations with respect to thelongitudinal axis a-a. For example, the projections 8315 may be chevronshaped, circular, oval, elliptical, rectangular, or triangular or othershapes. The orientation of the projections 8315 may also be off-axisfrom the longitudinal axis a-a to form an asymmetrical relationship. Theprojections 8315 may be regularly or randomly spaced on base 8300 forthe intended gripping performance. As shown in FIG. 87, a peripheralportion of base 8300 has a peripheral groove 8323 arranged to receiveand hold a layer of the grip material for suitable use with thetoothbrush.

Referring to FIGS. 82, 84 and 85, gripping member 8407 is fixed to base8300 to provide several gripping features to improve performance. In oneaspect, gripping member 8407 has a grip surface 8410 with at least oneand preferably a plurality of spaced openings, preferably in the form ofelongate transverse slots 8415, which expose portions of base 8300. Inthis way, the outline shape of slots 8415 is formed by the peripheralshape of projections 8315 of base 300 (FIGS. 86 and 87). To form slots8415, suitable injection molding equipment mates with the top surfacesof the projections 8315 to prevent overmolding of ribs 8315 and anyundesired deflection of base 8300 during the molding process. Thisenables the top surfaces of the projections 8315 to be exposed after themolding process.

To provide comfort as well as control benefits, the elastomeric materialof the grip surface 8410 may have a hardness durometer measurementranging between A13 to A50 Shore hardness, although materials outsidethis range may be used. A preferred range of the hardness durometerrating is between A25 to A40 Shore hardness. While an injection moldedconstruction is preferred, a suitable deformable thermoplastic material,such as TPE, may be formed in a thin layer and attached to base 8300with an appropriate adhesive or by other means. Irrespective of themanufacturing process, ribs 8315 are preferably recessed relative togripping surface 8410, i.e., a suitable thickness of elastomericmaterial is used to control the depth of the slot 8415 as measured fromthe top of the grip surface 8410 to the top of the projection (e.g., theexposed portion of base 8300). In a preferred construction, the depth ofthe slots along axis a-a is about 0.5 mm. These transverse slots 8415prevent slippage of the handle 8103 by enabling portions of the user'sfingers to slightly protrude into the depth of the slot 8415.Additionally, slots 8415 channel water away from the fingers tips duringwet operational conditions. Air is also able to enter the slots duringbrushing to provide some evaporative effect.

In another aspect, the grip surface 8410 includes concaved regions 8413between each slot 8415 to further improve the grip performance of handle8103. The concaved regions 8413 are preferably created by a suitablethickness of the elastomeric material during the injection moldingprocess filling into the transverse grooves 8321 in base 8300, but couldbe formed by other means (FIGS. 86 and 87). While base surface 8319 ispreferably arcuate in a transverse direction, the base surface may behorizontal or take on other shapes.

In one preferred construction, resilient grip body 8403 has a differenthardness as compared to the hardness of the grip surface 8410.Generally, the material of grip body 8403 is softer than the materialforming the grip surface 8410. In this manner, the handle 8103 may beprovided different grip features to complement the particular controlneed. For example, the handle 8103 may have a soft forward portion witha shock absorption advantage and a slightly harder aft portion with acomfort and control advantage. The material of the resilient grip body8403 and grip surface 8410 are preferably each a thermoplasticelastomer.

The inventive aspects may be practiced for a manual toothbrush or apowered toothbrush. In operation, the previously described features,individually and/or in any combination, improve the control and gripperformance of oral implements. Other constructions of toothbrush arepossible. For example, head 8105 may be replaceable or interchangeableon handle 8103. Head 8105 may include various oral surface engagingelements, such as inter-proximal picks, brushes, flossing element,plaque scrapper, tongue cleansers and soft tissue massages. While thevarious features of the toothbrush 8100 work together to achieve theadvantages previously described, it is recognized that individualfeatures and sub-combinations of these features can be used to obtainsome of the aforementioned advantages without the necessity to adopt allof these features in an oral care implement.

FIGS. 90-98 show additional embodiments of the invention that furtherillustrate the combinability of various aspects, features and functionsdisclosed herein into single oral care implement configurations. FIGS.90-98 disclose oral care implement configurations that provide tonguecleanser functionality and include handle gripping features. As such,oral care implements 90-98 generally include the aspects discussed alongwith FIGS. 38, 39 and 45-81 pertaining to soft tissue cleansers (e.g.,tongue cleansers), as well as the aspects discussed along with FIGS.84-89 pertaining to handle features. Further, it is understood thatother features may be used along with these configurations.

As an example of potential embodiments based on combinations of featuresdisclosed herein, the mechanical drive features discussed along withFIG. 1-5 and/or tooth cleansing features discussed throughout thespecification may be combined with the soft tissue cleansers of FIGS.90-98. Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 98A-C, embodiments of the inventioninclude any one of heads 9014, 9214, 9414, 9614 and 9514 discussedhereafter in combination with handle 1 and neck part 4 shown in FIGS.1-4 instead of bristle-carrying head part 3 shown in FIGS. 1-5. Theseembodiments provide powered oral care implement configurations that canprovide enhanced cleansing benefits. For example, such combinationdevices can provide the functions of two devices in a single device.Further, these devices can simultaneously provide dual cleaningfunctionality. For instance, toothbrush features may be used to clean auser's teeth while the soft tissue cleanser features simultaneouslyclean soft tissues, such as the inside of a user's cheeks.

FIGS. 90 and 91 disclose a soft tissue cleanser 9010 for removingmicrobial and other debris from the soft tissue of a user's mouth, suchas the user's tongue and inside of their cheeks and lips. As shown,cleanser 9000 generally includes a handle 8103 attached to a head 9014.The head and handle may be molded together as a one-piece member of thesame material, for example, polypropylene or another thermoplasticelastomer. In addition, the head may be detachable from the handle. Inthe configuration shown, handle 8103 is the handle of oral careimplement 8100 discussed along with FIGS. 81-89.

In general, head 9014 includes a plurality of tissue engaging elements9012 disposed about a central portion 9016 of the head. Elements 9012include projections in the form of ridges 9018 and nubs 9020, whichextend from the head to engage the soft tissue in a user's mouth. Theridges and nubs may be separately molded, glued or otherwise attached tohead 9014. In addition, they may be integrally formed therewith. Theridges and nubs could each be made from a material different from eachother and/or different from other parts. Soft materials, such as TPE orthe like, can be fixed to head 9014 to form the ridges. However, aharder material or virtually any known material used to make oral careimplements may be appropriate for the ridges and nubs. Ridges 9018 andnubs 9020 could have a variety of shapes, patterns, cross-sections,configurations, etc., as discussed along with FIGS. 38, 39 and 45-81.

Central portion 9016 is shown as a generally elliptically-shaped regionon a face of head 9014 about which cleaning elements 9012 are disposedthat has a bottom surface 9017 generally disposed below the tips of theridges and nubs. It is understood, however, that the central portion mayhave a variety of shapes, sizes and depths. In the configuration shown,central portion 9016 is a relatively shallow depression that extendsinto the head about 10% to about 30% of the thickness of the head. Inanother configuration, the central portion may be shallow and may notextend into the head. For instance, the central portion may be formed bya surface 9017 of the head upon which the cleaning elements are disposedalong with a ring of cleaning elements 9012 bounding the centralportion. In such a configuration, the central portion would be adepressed region with respect to the protruding cleaning elementsdisposed about it, but would not otherwise extend into the head. Inother configurations, the central portion may be depressed into the headabout 0 to 10% of its thickness, it may be depressed about 30% to 50% ormore of its thickness, or the central portion may even form a cavitythrough the head (i.e., 100% of its thickness).

As shown, surface 9017 may be continuous to provide a non-interruptedboundary for the central portion 9016 and it may be relatively smooth.In alternate configurations, surface 9017 may include interrupting orundulating features, such as one or more notches, contour features, orfeatures to permit partial flow of materials therethrough, such as amesh or screen. In addition, surface 9017 may include irregularfeatures, such as cleaning elements, projections, etc. Further, surface9017 may be formed by a flexible membrane, which may be disposed withina cavity of the head (not shown). In such an alternative configuration,tooth cleaning members (e.g., bristles) may be disposed on one side ofthe flexible membrane opposite surface 9017. As such, movement of thecleaning members away from and toward the head will move surface 9017.

Central portion 9016 and the ring of protruding cleaning elements 9012cooperate to translate a downward force applied by the user into aconcentrated force at the cleaning elements. Thus, the cleaning elementspenetrate more deeply into the user's soft tissue than would be providedby a relatively uniform contact surface or a uniform field of cleaningelements, such as the configuration provided by tissue cleanser 4800shown in FIG. 45. This permits ridges 9018 and nubs 9020 to moreeffectively penetrate the soft tissues. In an alternative constructionin which the head includes toothbrush features on an opposite sidethereof (see FIG. 98), the ring of protruding cleaning elementsconfiguration can effectively engage soft tissues in the inside of auser's cheeks and lips without the user applying significant force inthe direction of the ring, as may be the case when the user cleans theirteeth via the toothbrush features. As further shown, central portion9016 includes a bottom surface 9017 for contacting soft tissue duringuse. The bottom surface can act as a guide to limit the penetrationdepth of the nubs and ridges when excessive downward force is applied bythe user. In addition, it can provide a collector for micro debrisscraped during use of the oral care implement.

A variety of ridges, nubs, or other cleaning element configurations maybe used. In the configuration shown for oral care implement 9010, ridges9018 are generally oriented away from a center of central portion 9016in a radial manner. Central portion 9016 is elliptically shaped and isaligned with a longitudinal axis of handle 8103. As such, ridges 9018are oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thehandle, which provide blades oriented transverse to the scrapingdirection for most users. When a user scrapes the oral care implement9010 forward and backward in a direction substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of handle 8103, ridges 9018 act as small blades toscrape micro debris from the soft tissue. As also shown in FIGS. 90 and91, the ridges may be angled upward toward engagement with soft tissueduring use. Thus, inner portions 9022 of ridges 9018 engage soft tissuewhen the user applies a light downward pressure, and the ridges morefully engage the soft tissue when additional pressure is applied. Assuch, variable cleaning and scraping functionality is provided asdesired by the user via their selection of a downward force.

As further shown in FIGS. 90 and 91, nubs 9020 are provided along aportion of central portion 9016 disposed between handle 8103 and adistal end of head 9014. Nubs provide concentrated penetration into theuser's soft tissue during use. In addition, in their location alongcentral portion 9016 as shown in FIG. 91, they can encourage dislodgedmicro debris into central portion 9016 to be captured therein andremoved by the user. It is understood that various nub configurations,positions and orientations, as well as ridge and central portionconfigurations, positions and orientations, can provide variousadvantages and functionality.

FIGS. 92 and 93 illustrate another possible configuration of cleaningelements in an example oral care implement 9210. Oral care implement9210 generally includes the same aspects and features of oral careimplement 9010, except that it additionally includes a narrow protrusion9224 erected around the perimeter of central portion 9216. The narrowprotrusion may be a semi-flexible, “blade-like” structure that assistswith scraping a user's tongue or other soft tissue. In alternativeconstructions, it may be a rigid structure or relatively flexiblestructure. Narrow protrusion 9224 may be made from a flexible orsemi-flexible, thermoplastic elastomer, a hard plastic structure oranother rigid material, such as metal. As shown in FIGS. 92 and 93,blade-like protrusion 9224 may be continuous structure disposed aboutthe central portion. In other configurations, it may a partialstructure, such as an arc. It may also exist apart from or without thecentral portion, and it may include a truncated shape or shapes. Theblade-like protrusion provides an effective blade for scraping microdebris from a user's soft tissue. In a continuous configuration, it mayfurther encourage micro debris scraped from the user's soft tissue to beretained within central portion 9216.

FIGS. 94 and 95 illustrate another possible configuration of cleaningelements in an example oral care implement 9410. Oral care implement9410 generally includes the same aspects and features of oral careimplement 9210, except that cleaning elements 9412 only include nubs9420 disposed about central portion 9416. The nubs provide concentratedpenetration into the user's soft tissue, which can act to dislodge microdebris and thereby assist blade-like protrusion 9416 with scraping microdebris from the user's soft tissue.

FIGS. 96 and 97 illustrate another possible configuration of cleaningelements in an example oral care implement 9610. Oral care implement9610 generally includes the same aspects and features of oral careimplement 9010, except with respect to cleaning elements 9612 andblade-like structure 9624. As shown, cleaning elements 9612 include acombination of blades 9618 extending substantially radially from thecenter of central portion 9616, as well as blades 9630 orientedsubstantially perpendicular to blades 9618. The mixture of blades inalternating orientations can improve scraping effectiveness of the oralcare implement. In addition, blade-like structure 9624 includes notches9632 spaced about its blade, which can further improve the scrapingeffectiveness of the oral care implement.

FIG. 98 illustrates a further possible configuration of an oral careimplement. Oral care implement 9510 generally includes the same aspectsand features of oral care implement 9210, except with respect tocleaning elements 9512 and blade-like structure 9524. As shown, cleaningelements 9512 include short blades 9534 interposed between pairs oflonger blades 9518, which can further improve the scraping effectivenessof the blades. In addition, blade-like structure 9524 is truncated suchthat it only extends around a distal portion of central portion 9516,which can encourage dislodged micro debris to be retained within centralportion 9516 when the oral care implement 9510 is scraped across softtissue while being withdrawn from the user's mouth. Oral care implement9510 further includes tooth cleaning elements 9536 extending from anopposite side of the head from cleaning elements 9512. Nubs 9520 arealso provided. Thus, a user can use the single oral care implement 9510to effectively clean their teeth and to scrape their tongue, for whichthe handling of the implement is improved via gripping features ofhandle 8103. In addition, the user can simultaneously clean their teethvia cleaning elements 9536 and engage the inside of their cheeks andlips via 9512.

FIGS. 98A-C show an oral cleaning implement 9810 that includes a dualfunction head 4900 or 9514, and a powered handle 1. The handle isgenerally the same as powered handle 1 discussed along with FIGS. 1-5,which may be used to move or vibrate tooth cleaning features of thehead, and/or soft tissue cleanser features of the head. Although thehead is shown as either head 4900 or head 9514, the head may include anyone of heads 9014, 9214, 9414, 9614 and 9514 or other dual functionheads. As discussed above, these embodiments can provide enhancedcleansing benefits by simultaneously engaging proximate oral surfaces,such as cleaning a user's teeth, and cleaning or stimulating the insideof their cheeks and lips. Moreover, such combination devices can providethe functions of two devices in a single device.

FIGS. 99-102 illustrate a toothbrush 9710 in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention. As shown therein, toothbrush 9710 includesa handle 9712 and a head 9714. Handle 9712 may include a suitable grippad 9716 made of an elastomer material. As shown in FIG. 102, head 9714has a base portion 9718 with an upstanding wall 9720 to create aperipheral frame extending outwardly above base portion 9718. A membrane9722 is attached to frame 9720 completely along its periphery. Membrane9722 in its initial non-use condition is convex or bowed outwardly asshown in FIG. 102. The convex bowing would preferably be both in thelongitudinal and transverse directions, thus presenting a dome-likeouter surface 9724 to which cleaning elements 9726 are connected.

Toothbrush 9710 is particularly suitable for cleaning elements in theform of strands or bristles attached via in-molded technology (IMT)methods that generally require small cross-sections of material intowhich the strands are permanently attached. The strands utilizing IMTmethods are preferably attached during formation of the toothbrushhandle or at least during formation of the head which is the portion ofthe toothbrush to which the strands and other materials are attached.

A feature of the invention as illustrated in FIGS. 99-102 and FIG. 103is the use of thin cross-sections of material for membrane 9722.Membrane 9722 is flexible and resilient. The cross-section shown, forexample, in FIG. 102 is formed like a moon crescent thus representing ashape similar to the dome.

Because of the open space 9728 between base portion 9718 and membrane9722, the membrane can move from its original dome-like shape to bedistorted into other shapes as the cleaning elements or bristles 9726contact the teeth. Thus, the dome 9722 has a thin membrane of materialor combinations of material that can flex to become altered from itsoriginal shape and recover to its original shape randomly duringbrushing. The bristles 9726 are attached to the flexible dome and moveaccordingly, creating a random topology based on interactions with teethand by doing so improve the cleaning of the teeth. The moving bristlestrands have more degrees of motion than conventional toothbrushes dueto the flexibility of the membrane and thus represent a different andunique tooth brushing device.

In illustrated embodiments of this invention, the head 9714 is generallyoval shaped and the membrane 9722 has a corresponding oval shape. SeeFIG. 101. However, other configurations may include a variety ofmembrane shapes.

Any suitable form of cleaning elements may be used as the cleaningelements 9726 in the broad practice of this invention. The term“cleaning elements” is intended to be used in a generic sense, whichcould include conventional fiber bristles or massage elements or otherforms of cleaning elements, such as elastomeric fingers or wallsarranged in a circular cross-sectional shape or any type of desiredshape including straight portions or sinusoidal portions. Where bristlesare used, the bristles could be mounted to tuft blocks or sections byextending through suitable openings in the tuft blocks so that the baseof the bristles is mounted within or below the tuft block and belowmembrane 9722.

It is to be understood that the illustrated cleaning elements are merelyfor exemplary purposes. The invention can be practiced with variouscombinations of the same or different cleaning element configurations(such as stapled or in-molded technology bristles, anchor freetechnology (AFT), etc.) and/or with the same bristle or cleaning elementmaterials (such as nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles,etc.). Similarly, while FIG. 100 illustrates the cleaning elements to begenerally perpendicular to the outer surface 9724 of membrane 9722 orhead 9714, some or all of the cleaning elements may be angled at variousangles with respect to the outer surface of head 9714. It is therebypossible to select the combination of cleaning element configurations,materials and orientations to achieve specific intended results todeliver additional oral health benefits, like enhanced cleaning toothpolishing, tooth whitening and/or massaging of the gums.

Preferably, however, cleaning elements 9726 are IMT bristles since IMTbristles require small cross-sections of material into which the strandsare attached and the membrane 9722 in a preferred practice of theinvention has a small cross-section.

Although FIGS. 99-101 illustrate the membrane 9722 to occupy generallythe entire head 9714, the invention may be practiced where the head 9714is of sufficient size that it could include other bristle carryingsurfaces adjacent to the dome shape membrane 9722.

Although FIGS. 99-102 illustrate a manually operated toothbrush, theinvention may also be practiced where the head includes one or morepower or electrically operated movable sections carrying cleaningelements. Such movable sections may oscillate in a rotational manner ormay oscillate linearly in a longitudinal direction with respect to thelongitudinal axis of the head or may oscillate linearly in a lateral ortransverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the head.The movable section may oscillate in and out in a direction toward andaway from the outer surface of the head. The movable section may rockback and forth with respect to the outer surface of the head. Themovable section may rotate continuously in the same direction, ratherthan oscillate. Any suitable drive mechanism may be used for impartingthe desired to the movable section. Where plural movable sections areused, all of the movable sections may have the same type and directionof movement, or combinations of different movements may be used.

As an example, FIG. 103 illustrates a toothbrush 9710A that is similarto toothbrush 9710, except that toothbrush 9710A is a powered toothbrushhaving a power driven movable disc or section 9730A having cleaningelements attached thereto. The movable section 9730A could be oscillatedrotationally such as by using the type of drive mechanism shown in U.S.Pat. No. 5,625,916, or it could move in and out using the type of drivemechanism shown in U.S. Pat. No. Re35,941, all of the details of bothpatents are incorporated herein by reference thereto. Alternatively, theother types of drives referred to above could move section 9730A inother manners and directions, such as the drive features shown in FIGS.1-4. Although FIG. 103 shows movable section 9730A to be at the distalend of the head, the movable section(s) could be located at any desiredlocation on the head.

Returning to FIGS. 99-102, handle 9712, base 9718 and frame 9720A arepreferably made of hard plastic materials, which are conventionally usedfor manual toothbrushes. As noted, however, a characteristic of domeshape membrane 9722 is that it is made of a flexible resilient materialsuch as an elastomer capable of being moved from its original positionand then returning to that original position.

Membrane 9722 may be secured to frame 9720 in any suitable manner. Thus,for example, frame 9720 includes inwardly inclined surfaces forreceiving membrane 9722. Other structural arrangements may be usedwithin the practice of this invention to mount membrane 9722 on head9714.

FIGS. 104-107 illustrate a manual toothbrush 9810 in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention. This is a variation of the priorembodiment that uses a trampoline type structure to achieve an up anddown motion rather than a convex membrane, as well as grip features onthe handle. As shown, toothbrush 9810 includes a handle 9812 and a head9814. Handle 9812 may include a suitable area 9816 made of anelastomeric material. This elastomeric portion of the handle ispreferably molded with an open area 9818 which is readily deformable bythe user. The elastomeric material 9816 on the top side of the handle9812 (as viewed in FIGS. 104, 105 and 107) will yield under pressure ofthe user's fingers to provide a better grip on the handle whileproviding a more comfortable feel to the handle. FIG. 107 illustratesthis elastomeric portion 9816 of the handle 9812 in a depressed state.The downward arrow P in this Figure represents the pressure applied bythe toothbrush user. The open area 9818 is thereby minimized. As soon asthe user's pressure is released, the properties of the elastomericportion 9816 of the handle 9812 return the elastomeric material 9816 toits original shape as illustrated in FIG. 104.

A similar flexible, deformable open area 9820 is created in the head byinclusion of an elastomeric portion 9822 in the head overlying open area9820. Cleaning elements 9824 are arrayed in the elastomeric portion ofthe head and fastened thereto by known methods including in-moldedtechnology (IMT). Bristle attachment utilizing IMT methods preferablyoccurs during formation of the toothbrush handle or at least duringformation of the elastomeric portion 9822 of the head 9814.

In use, the application of pressure by the toothbrush user causes a likepressure of the teeth against cleaning elements 9824 as illustrated byarrow F in FIG. 107. This causes deflection of the elastomeric portion9822 of head 9814, which in turn causes a reorientation of cleaningelements relative to the teeth being cleaned. As the user's pressure isreduced, the open area 9820 of head 9814 opens up causing the cleaningelements to follow the shape of the teeth being brushed and therebyimproving the cleaning of the teeth. When all user pressure is released,the open area 9820 returns to its original shape.

The elastomeric portion 9822 of head 9814 should be a material orcombinations of material that can flex to become altered from itsoriginal shape and recover to its original shape randomly duringbrushing. The cleaning elements, for example, bristles, are attached tothe flexible membrane creating a flexible orientation of cleaningelements 9824 which improves the cleaning of the teeth. The movingbristle strands have considerable degrees of motion and thus provide aunique tooth brushing experience.

Any suitable form of cleaning elements may be used as the cleaningelements 9824 in the broad practice of this invention, as discussed withthe embodiments of FIGS. 99-103. It is to be understood that thespecific illustration of the cleaning elements is merely for exemplarypurposes. The invention can be practiced with various combinations ofthe same or different cleaning element configurations (such as stapledor in-molded technology bristles, AFT, etc.) and/or with the samebristle or cleaning element materials (such as nylon bristles, spiralbristles, rubber bristles, etc.). Similarly, while FIGS. 105 and 107illustrate the cleaning elements to be generally perpendicular to theelastomeric portion 9822 of head 9814, some or all of the cleaningelements may be angled at various angles. It is thereby possible toselect the combination of cleaning element configurations, materials andorientations to achieve specific intended results to deliver additionaloral health benefits, like enhanced cleaning, polishing, tooth whiteningand/or massaging of the gums.

Portions of handle 9812 and head 9814 may be made of hard plasticmaterial which is used for manual toothbrushes. As noted, however, afeature of this toothbrush is use of elastomeric portions 9816 of thehandle and/or elastomeric portion 9822 of head 9814, such as anelastomer capable of being moved from its original position and thenreturning to its original position.

This invention may also be practiced where the head 9814 includes one ormore powered or electrically operated movable sections carrying cleaningelements.

FIG. 108 illustrates a toothbrush 9810A which includes a power drivenmovable disc or section 9850 having cleaning elements. The movablesection 9850 could be similar to section 9730 of FIG. 103. Although FIG.108 shows movable section 9850 to be at the one end of the head, as withFIG. 103, the movable section(s) could be located at any desiredlocation on the head.

In another embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 109-113, atoothbrush 9910 includes a head longitudinally separated into side byside areas by means of a flexible hinge structure that serves as aspring to return the brush head materials and cleaning areas to theiroriginal position. As shown, toothbrush 9910 includes an elongatedhandle 9912 and a head 9914. A portion of handle 9912 may be recessed atgripping area 9916 between shoulders 9918 and 9920. Shoulder 9918 couldextend outwardly a sufficient distance to act as a hook or ledge tofacilitate hanging the toothbrush in an inverted condition.

Head 9914 and handle 9912 are elongated and have a longitudinal axis. Asshown in FIGS. 112 and 113, head 9914 includes a spine 9922 whichextends collinear with the longitudinal or major axis of the toothbrushhandle and head. As a result, head 9914 is separated into two side byside longitudinal sections 9924, 9926 connected to the spine 9922. Spine9922 is made of a resilient material, such as an elastomer, which issufficiently flexible as to be movable and yet return to its originalposition. As a result, spine 9922 functions as a hinge axis whereby theside by side sections 9924, 9926 may move or pivot about the spine awayfrom the original position shown in FIG. 112 to an open position such asshown in FIG. 113 when the cleaning elements on the sections 9924, 9926contact the teeth. Then sections 9924, 9926 return to their originalposition under the influence of the resilient hinge or spine 9922.Preferably hinge or spine 9922 is confined to head 9914.

As illustrated, each of the sections 9924, 9926 includes sets ofcleaning elements. For example, an outer set of cleaning elements 9928is located at the outer periphery of each section 9924, 9926 while aninner set of cleaning elements 9930 is located closer to the spine 9922.Preferably, the terminal surfaces 9932 of the inner cleaning elements9930 are tapered toward the hinge axis 9922 so that the adjacentterminal ends 9932 of each inner set of cleaning elements forms anobtuse angle as indicated by the letter A in FIG. 112 when the brushhead is in its original position.

The outer sets of cleaning elements 9928 extend outwardly a longerdistance from the outer surface of the sections than do the innercleaning elements 9930. As a result, the combined cleaning elements aredesigned to wrap around the edge of the teeth for simultaneous possiblecontact with both the front and top of the teeth. See FIG. 112. Duringuse, the brush head is pressed against the edge of the teeth causing theflexible hinge to open and close during cleaning.

As illustrated in FIGS. 109-113, in a preferred practice of theinvention, the outer sets of cleaning elements 9928 are bristle bundlesof plaque bristles. The inner sets of cleaning elements 9930 may bebristles formed by in-molded technology (IMT) where sets of bristles arefused together at one end and the fused end is inserted in a mold cavityduring the manufacture of the head.

FIG. 113 shows the sections 9924, 9926 in their open position. FIG. 113omits some of the cleaning elements so as to provide a betterunderstanding of how the cleaning elements are mounted. As showntherein, the plaque bristles 9928 are in the form of bristle bundles ortufts inserted into individual holes 9934 in bristle container 9936. Theinner sets of cleaning elements 9930 are IMT bristles mounted in IMTcontainer 9938. The IMT containers 9938 may be made of soft flexibleelastomer material integral with hinge axis 9922, as shown in FIG. 113.

As shown in FIGS. 109-113 the bristle container 9936 does not extendcompletely to the distal end of the head 9914. Accordingly, side plates9940 are provided on each side of the head longitudinally abuttingagainst bristle containers 9936 and disposed against containers 9938 forthe remaining length of containers 9938 so that a smooth contour resultsalong the side of the head 9914. Side plates 9940 may also be made of asoft, flexible elastomer material.

As best shown in FIGS. 109-111 each inner row of IMT bristles 9930 hasits bristles spaced apart or staggered so that the inclined IMT bristlesof each section may fit between the spacing of adjacent IMT bristles ofthe other section.

Although FIGS. 109-113 illustrate a preferred form of cleaning elementsto be the plaque bristles and IMT bristles any suitable form of cleaningelements may be used as the cleaning elements 9928 and 9930 aspreviously described. Thus the term “cleaning elements” is intended tobe used in a generic sense which could include conventional fiberbristles or massage elements or other forms of cleaning elements such aselastomeric fingers or walls arranged in a circular cross-sectionalshape or any type of desired shape including straight portions orsinusoidal portions. Where bristles are used, the bristles could bemounted to tuft blocks or sections by extending through suitableopenings in the tuft blocks so that the base of the bristles is mountedwithin or below the tuft block.

Similarly, it is to be understood that the specific illustration of thecleaning elements is merely for exemplary purposes. The invention can bepracticed with various combinations of the same or different cleaningelement configurations (such as stapled or IMT bristles, AFT, etc.)and/or with the same bristle or cleaning element materials (such asnylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, etc.). Similarly,while FIG. 109 illustrates the cleaning elements to be generallyperpendicular to the outer surface of head 9914 some or all of thecleaning elements may be angled at various angles with respect to theouter surface of head 9914. It is thereby possible to select thecombination of cleaning element configurations, materials andorientations to achieve specific intended results to deliver additionaloral health benefits, like enhanced cleaning tooth polishing, toothwhitening and/or massaging of the gums.

Handle 9912 could be made of a conventional hard plastic material whichcould, however, include a soft elastomer section 9942 near the head9914. Bristle containers 9936, 9936 could also be made of a hard plasticmaterial while side plates 9940 and IMT containers 9938 are made of asoft elastomer material. By having the bristle containers 9936 mountedagainst the IMT containers 9938, the bristle containers 9936 and theircleaning elements 9928 move along with the movement of the IMTcontainers 9938 in response to the IMT bristles 9930 contacting theteeth. If desired, the bristle containers 236 may also be made of a softelastomer material.

Although FIGS. 109-113 illustrate a manually operated toothbrush, theinvention may also be practiced with powered configurations, such aswhere the head includes one or more power or electrically operatedmovable sections carrying cleaning elements. FIG. 114 illustrates atoothbrush 9910 which includes a power driven movable disc or section9950 having cleaning elements, similar to the movable sections oftoothbrushes 9710A and 9810A.

FIGS. 115-121 show additional embodiments of the invention that furtherillustrate the combinability of various aspects, features and functionsdisclosed herein into single oral care implement configurations. FIGS.115-121 disclose oral care implement configurations that provideflexibly mounted tooth cleansing features, tongue cleanser functionalityand/or handle gripping features. As such, the oral care implementsdisclosed in FIGS. 115-121 generally include the aspects discussed alongwith FIGS. 99-102 pertaining to flexibly mounted tooth cleansingconfigurations including a flexible dome-shaped membrane, as well as theaspects discussed along with FIGS. 84-89, 104-107 and 109-111 pertainingto handle grip features, and aspects discussed along with FIGS. 38, 39,45-80 and 90-98 pertaining to soft tissue cleansers. However, it isunderstood that other features may used along with these configurations,such as mechanical drive features discussed along with FIGS. 1-5, 103and 114, the flexibly mounted tooth cleansing configuration of FIGS.104-107, and tooth cleansing features discussed throughout thespecification.

FIGS. 115-117 illustrate a toothbrush 10010 in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention. As shown therein, toothbrush 10010 includesa head 10014 and a handle 9812, which is generally the same as handle9812 disclosed in FIGS. 104-107. In other configurations, handle 9812may generally be the same as handle 8103 discussed along with FIGS.81-89, handle 9712 discussed along with FIGS. 99-102, or other handleconfigurations. Head 10014 is generally the same as head 9714 discussedalong with FIGS. 99-102, with the exception of cleaning elements 10026.As such, a membrane 10022 is attached to head 10014, which in itsinitial non-use condition may be convex or bowed outwardly, from whichcleaning elements 10026 extend. Although configured differently thancleaning elements 9714 of FIGS. 99-102, it is understood that cleaningelements 10026, as shown in FIG. 16, may also be attached to themembrane via in-molded technology (IMT) methods or other appropriatemethods.

As shown in FIG. 116, cleaning elements 10026 form star configurations10015 that better retain dentifrice among the tooth cleaning elements,conform to a user's teeth, and penetrate gaps between a user's teeth.These advantages may be particularly realized during use of the oralcare implement when the convex membrane 10022 is flexed downward towardthe head. When the membrane is flexed downward due to contact with auser's teeth, the tooth cleaning elements converge inward toward eachother about the user's teeth. This action improves interaction with theuser's teeth and other oral structures, as well as improves retention ofthe dentifrice.

Tooth cleaning elements may be formed of elastomeric wall members,elongate bristle tufts, or other types of cleaning elements, which areindependently flexible. In this way, the cleaning elements are able toprovide a limited and controlled flow of the dentifrice, as well asmaintain sufficient flexibility to provide improved cleaning of a user'steeth and stimulation of the user's gums via the cleaning elements. Inthe configuration shown in FIG. 116, cleaning elements 10026 includecentral elements 10024 that are generally disposed along a longitudinalaxis of membrane 10022 substantially aligned with the longitudinal axisa-a of handle 9812. As shown in FIGS. 115 and 117, central elements10024 may be taller than adjacent cleaning elements, such that centralelements 10024 typically make contact with a user's teeth prior toadjacent elements. During use, central elements 10024 cause membrane10022 to flex toward the head due to contact with a user's teeth, whichflexes other cleaning elements inward toward the central elements whilemembrane 10022 flexes toward the head.

Disposed about each central element, and radially extending therefrom,is a plurality of cleaning elements 10026. Radial cleaning elements andtheir respective central element each form the star configuration 10015.Adjacent radial elements are spaced apart to form gaps 10028therebetween, which permit a limited outward flow of dentifrice,independent flexing of each radial cleaning element, and convergence ofthe radial cleaning elements. The gaps also aid the cleaning of cleaningelements 10026 by permitting water to flush through the cleaningelements. The gaps, however, are preferably kept small to limit theescape of the dentifrice. While three star configurations are shown,which each including six radial cleaning elements, other numbers ofradial cleaning elements and numbers of star configurations could beused.

Disposed along perimeter regions of the head are a plurality of outercleaning elements 10030. During use, the outer cleaning elementsconverge inward toward the star configurations, which assist with theretention of dentifrice and with grasping teeth being engaged by thecleaning elements.

The cleaning elements 10014 may be formed from bristles or tuftscomposed of nylon, and may further be made from the nylon materialmarketed by Dupont under the name BRILLIANCE. Nevertheless, othermaterials could be used, such as an elastomeric material. In addition,the cleaning elements may be formed as upstanding elastomericprojections or walls. As shown in FIG. 117, a distal star configuration10032 of cleaning elements at the distal end of the head may have aheight greater than other cleaning elements, which can assist withengagement of molars and other teeth at the rear of a user's mouth.

FIG. 118 illustrates a toothbrush 11810 in accordance with anotherembodiment of this invention. Toothbrush 11810 includes a handle 9812, ahead 11814, tooth cleaning elements 11826 on one side of the head, and asoft tissue cleanser 11830 on the opposite side of the head. Toothbrush11810 generally includes the same aspects and features of toothbrush10010, except with respect to soft tissue cleanser 11830. In addition,base portion 9718 shown in FIG. 102 may include a flexible membraneforming surface 9017 shown in FIG. 98. In such a configuration, movementof the tooth cleaning elements 11826 away from and toward the head willmove surface 9017.

Soft tissue cleanser 11830 generally includes the same aspects andfeatures pertaining to cleaning soft tissues, such as a user's tongue,as oral care implement 9510 shown in FIG. 98. As such, soft tissuecleanser includes soft tissue engaging elements 9512 disposed about arecess 9516 formed in the head, as well as a blade-like structure 9524.Elements 9512 include projections in the form of ridges 9518 and nubs9520, which extend from the head to engage the soft tissue in a user'smouth along with the blade-like structure.

Toothbrush 11810 provides a single oral care implement that can be usedto effectively clean a user's teeth and to scrape their tongue, forwhich the handling of the device may be improved via gripping featuresof handle 9812. Thus, toothbrush 11810 further illustrates thecombinability of various aspects, features and functions disclosedherein into single oral care implement configurations. It is understoodthat a variety of combinations of possible. For instance, toothbrush11810 may include a soft tissue cleanser configuration shown in FIG. 38,39, 45-80 or 90-97 rather than the configuration of soft tissue cleanser11830. In addition, toothbrush 11810 may include a handle shown in FIG.1-4, 84-89, 99-102, 104-107 or 109-111 rather than handle 9812. Thehandle may include a resilient elongate ridge in a gripping regionthereof that merges with the soft tissue cleanser, as disclosed in theembodiment of FIG. 52. Further, various tooth cleaning elementconfigurations may be used instead of tooth cleaning elements 11826.

The advantages of particular configurations will depend on the featuresselected and the intended use of the device. In the configuration oftoothbrush 11810, a variety of advantages are provided in a singledevice including flexibility and cleaning advantages of the domemembrane configuration, tooth cleaning advantages of the starconfiguration for the tooth cleaning elements, soft tissue cleaningadvantages of the soft tissue cleanser, and handling advantages of thehandle grip features.

FIGS. 119-121 show a further oral care implement 11910 that alsoprovides a variety of advantages and features in a single device. Oralcare implement includes a handle 9812, a head 11914, tooth cleaningelements 11926 on one side of the head, and a soft tissue cleanser 11830on the opposite side of the head. Toothbrush 11910 generally includesthe same aspects and features of toothbrush 11810, except with respectto the configuration of tooth cleaning elements 11926.

As shown in FIG. 121, cleaning elements 11926 include central elements11928 that are generally disposed along a longitudinal axis b-b of thetoothbrush, and transverse elements 11930 oriented substantiallyperpendicular to longitudinal axis b-b across the face of the toothbrushhead. The central elements and transverse elements intersect togenerally form a cross-shape 11921 across membrane 11922.

As shown in FIG. 120, the central and transverse elements may extendfurther from the toothbrush head than adjacent cleaning elements, whichencourages membrane 11922 to flex toward the head as the central andtransverse elements make initial contact with a user's teeth. Thecentral elements and transverse elements may have circularcross-sections, elongate cross-sections such as provided by wall-likeelements, and combinations thereof. As shown in FIG. 121, cleaningelements 11926 further include opposing arcuate cleaning elements 11934,11936 at the ends of the cross-shape configuration. The arcuate cleaningelements 11934, 11936 include a first pair of arcuate cleaning elements11934 and a second pair of arcuate cleaning elements 11936. The firstpair of arcuate cleaning elements 11934 are positioned at opposite endsof the central cleaning elements 11928 and the second pair of arcuatecleaning elements 11936 are positioned at opposite ends of thetransverse elements 11930. These elements assist with the retention ofdentifrice, as well as provide cleaning and polishing benefits.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 121, the central elements andtransverse elements include a mixture of rounded 11940 and wall-likeelements 11942, which provide various advantages. For instance, therounded elements tend to have higher column strengths than elongate orwall-like elements. Thus, high column strength rounded elements may beincluded to improve the transfer of force to membrane 11922 for flexingthe membrane. The elongate or wall-like elements tend to provide otheradvantages, such as improved tooth polishing and retention of dentifricewithin the cleaning elements. Combinations of types of cleaningelements, as shown in FIG. 121, can provide advantages based on theoverall configuration and functionality provided by the mixture ofcleaning elements.

Cleaning elements 11926 further include radial cleaning elements 11932that are wall-like elements. Cleaning elements 11926 are generallyoriented in a radial fashion such that their flat side portions areangled toward a central portion of the head proximate an intersection11935 of the cross-shape configuration 11921 of the cleaning elements.As with the embodiments for FIGS. 99-118, the radial cleaning elements,and the other cleaning elements, may each be formed as an upstandingelastomeric wall attached to and extending from membrane 11922. In otherconfigurations, they may be formed from tufts of bristles extending fromthe membrane.

As shown in FIG. 121, oral care implement 11910 provides orientations ofwall-like elements that generally cover 360 degrees. This full range oforientations is provide by the arrangement of radial wall-like cleaningelements 11926, as well as the central cleaning elements 11928 andtransverse cleaning elements 11930. As such, one or more cleaningelements are likely oriented to match crevices between a user's teethduring cleaning, which can improve effectiveness of the toothbrush.Further, the flexibility provided by the dome configuration of membrane11922 provides a dynamic cleaning environment that further enhancescleaning and polishing of a user's teeth. In addition, the range oforientations of the radial cleaning elements along with their elongateshape can provide enhanced polishing benefits as they move across auser's teeth.

As various changes could be made in the above methods, compositions andstructures without departing from the scope of the invention, it isintended that all matter contained in this application, including allmechanisms and/or modes of interaction described above, shall beinterpreted as illustrative only and not limiting in any way the scopeof the appended claims. Further, as noted above, it is intended thatoral care implements according to the invention and associated methodsmay utilize various combinations of aspects, features and configurationsdiscussed within the application.

What is claimed is:
 1. An oral care implement comprising: a handle; ahead attached to the handle; a flexible support attached to the head andhaving a face; a plurality of cleaning elements attached to the flexiblesupport and projecting outwardly from the face; wherein the cleaningelements comprise; a row of first cleaning elements substantiallyaligned along a longitudinal axis of the head and traversing a centralregion of the flexible support, the row of first cleaning elementscomprising a combination of columnar and elongate elements, the elongateelements being elongated in a direction of the longitudinal axis; aplurality of wall-like elements laterally radiating from the centralregion of the flexible support; a first pair of bent cleaning elements,each one of the first pair of bent cleaning elements disposed at anopposite end of the row of first cleaning elements, each one of thefirst pair of bent cleaning elements having a concave side orientedtoward the row of first cleaning elements; and a row of second cleaningelements extending in a line substantially perpendicular to the row offirst cleaning elements, wherein the longitudinal axis and the lineintersect at a central point that is devoid of cleaning elements.
 2. Theoral care implement of claim 1 wherein the cleaning elements furthercomprise a second pair of bent cleaning elements, each one of the secondpair of bent cleaning elements disposed at an opposite end of the row ofsecond cleaning elements, each one of the second pair of bent cleaningelements having a concave side oriented toward the row of secondcleaning elements.
 3. The oral care implement of claim 1 wherein theflexible support includes a resilient membrane mounted to the head. 4.The oral care implement of claim 3 wherein the head includes a baseforming a peripheral frame, the resilient membrane being mounted to theframe, and an open space being formed between the frame and theresilient membrane.
 5. The oral care implement of claim 4 wherein theresilient membrane has an initial condition of non-use, the resilientmembrane in the initial condition being convex to have an originaldome-like shape, the resilient membrane being capable of flexing toalter the original dome-like shape during use of the oral care implementand to move the cleaning elements with respect to the head and therecovering to the original dome-like shape.
 6. The oral care implementof claim 1 wherein the first cleaning elements and the second cleaningelements form a cross-shape across the face of the flexible support. 7.The oral care implement of claim 1 wherein the first cleaning elementsextend further from the face of the flexible support than the wall-likeelements that laterally radiate from the central region of the flexiblesupport.
 8. The oral care implement of claim 1 wherein the elongateelements comprise a first elongate element positioned on to first sideof the row of second cleaning elements and a second elongate elementpositioned on a. second side of the row of second cleaning elements. 9.The oral care implement of claim 8 wherein the row of second cleaning,elements comprises a third elongate element positioned on as first sideof the row of first cleaning elements and a fourth elongate elementpositioned on a second side of the row of first cleaning elements, eachof the third and fourth elongate elements being elongated in a directiontransverse to the longitudinal axis.
 10. The oral care implement ofclaim 1 wherein one of the elongate elements of the row of firstcleaning elements is positioned adjacent to the concave side of each oneof the first pair of bent cleaning elements.
 11. An oral care implementcomprising: a handle; a head attached to the handle; a flexible supportattached to the head and having a face; a plurality of cleaning elementsattached to the flexible support and projecting outwardly from the face;wherein the cleaning elements comprise: a row of first cleaning,elements substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the head andtraversing a central region of the flexible support the row of firstcleaning elements comprising a combination of columnar and elongateelements, the elongate elements being elongated in a direction of thelongitudinal axis; a plurality of wall-like elements laterally radiatingfrom the central region of the flexible support; a first fair of bentcleaning, elements, each one of the first fair of bent cleaning elementsdisposed at an opposite end of the row of first cleaning elements, eachone of the first air of bent cleaning elements having, a concave sideoriented toward the row of first cleaning elements, and a row of secondcleaning elements extending in a line substantially perpendicular to therow of first cleaning elements, wherein the second cleaning elementsextend further from the face of the flexible support than the wall-likeelements that laterally radiate from the central region of the flexiblesupport.
 12. An oral care implement comprising: a handle; a headattached to the handle; a flexible support attached to the head andhaving a face; a plurality of cleaning elements attached to the flexiblesupport and projecting outwardly from the face; wherein the cleaningelements comprise: a row of first cleaning elements substantiallyaligned along a longitudinal axis of the head and traversing a centralregion of the flexible support, the row of first cleaning elementscomprising a combination of columnar and elongate elements, the elongateelements being elongated in a direction of the longitudinal axis; aplurality of wall-like elements laterally radiating from the centralregion of the flexible support; a first pair of bent cleaning elements,each one of the first pair of bent cleaning elements disposed at anopposite end of the row of first cleaning elements, each one of thefirst pair of bent cleaning elements having a concave side orientedtoward the row of first cleaning elements; and a row of second cleaningelements extending in a line substantially perpendicular to the row offirst cleaning elements, wherein the row of first cleaning elementscomprises two of the elongate elements and one of the columnar elementson each side of the row of second cleaning elements.
 13. The oral careimplement of claim 12 wherein the columnar element on each side of therow of second cleaning elements is positioned between the two elongateelements on each side of the row of second cleaning elements.
 14. Anoral care implement comprising: a handle; a head attached to the handle;a flexible support attached to the head and having a face; a pluralityof cleaning elements attached to the flexible support and projectingoutwardly from the face; wherein the cleaning elements comprise: a rowof first cleaning elements substantially aligned along a longitudinalaxis of the head and traversing a central region of the flexiblesupport, the row of first cleaning elements comprising a combination ofcolumnar and elongate elements, the elongate elements being elongated ina direction of the longitudinal axis; a plurality of wall-like elementslaterally radiating from the central region of the flexible support; afirst pair of bent cleaning elements, each one of the first pair of bentcleaning elements disposed at an opposite end of the row of firstcleaning elements, each one of the first pair of bent cleaning elementshaving a concave side oriented toward the row of first cleaningelements; and a row of second cleaning elements extending in a linesubstantially perpendicular to the row of first cleaning elements,wherein; the elongate elements comprise a first elongate elementpositioned on a first side of the row of second cleaning elements and asecond elongate element positioned on a second side of the row of secondcleaning elements; the row of second cleaning elements comprises a thirdelongate element positioned on a first side of the row of first cleaningelements and a fourth elongate element positioned on a second side ofthe row of first cleaning elements. each of the third and fourthelongate elements being elongated in a direction transverse to thelongitudinal axis: and the first, second, third and fourth elongateelements collectively form a cross-shape configuration, a center pointof the cross-shape configuration being devoid of cleaning elements. 15.The oral care implement of claim 14 wherein one of the wall-likeelements laterally radiating from the central region of the flexiblesupport extends into a space between each pair of adjacent ones of thefirst, second, third and fourth elongate elements.